DISSATISFIED COLLIERS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2069, 21 December 1907, Page 2

DISSATISFIED COLLIERS.

THE “BANK TO BANK” CLAUSE.

AN INVOLVED FOSITION.

Special to Times. AVELLINGTON, Dec. 19. In regard to the threatened trouble between the coal-miners and tlio AA’estport Coal Co., the Alinister for Labor states that Air. Lomas is on tho scene, and will do all be can to avert trouble. It appears that the millers are of opinion that tho “bank to bank” clause of the Act should override the terms of an award issued before tlie Act came into force. The Arbitration Court recently decided against that view. Air. Millar understands the company has offered to allow 40 minutes’ walking time, but the Denniston miners do not seem 'liclined to' accept this offer, though the Granity workers have agreed to it. Air. Millar says that if the men insist on the “bank to bank” clause of the Act-, then according to the Arbitration Court’s decision they will be guilty of a breach of the award, and the Government must take action against them. He is in communication with the miners, and is trying to get them to come to an agreement to prevent friction, and "he hopes that serious trouble will be averted. It is understood that the company’s allowance of 40 k minutes would cover the .actual walking time in the case concerned, but tho men are demanding the Act, and nothing ‘but tlio Act. It may be argued that by insisting on an observance of the law they will be breaking, the law. However, the award was arranged before the law came into force. When the term of the award exj)ires the “bank to bank” clause of the Act will become operative.

A HARD “CASE FOR THE COURT. WIDESPREAD AGITATION. Press Association. DUNEDIN, Dec. 20. Air. Wm. Scott, who lias taken part in all conferences and disputes between the Denniston Coal Alines Union and the Westport Coal Company, looks iixioii the position as the most serious that the Arbitration Court lias yet bad to deal with, and .tliat if the'Court cannot enforce its award in this instance, it will mean tlie breaking down of the Arbitration Act. It is regarded locally as significant- that there is also trouble brewing in connection with the coal mines throughout Otago and in Auckland,, but so far as can .he ascertained He Unions are acting independent of one another, as in Otago the employers have met the unions in conference on several occasions, but without satisfactory result. It was anticipated that the matters in dispute would be brought before the Arbitration Court in February next, and that both nar- ' ties would abide by the Court’s decision. It is stated, however, that circumstances unknown to the employers have arisen and brought about the present state of affairs. No reduction in wages has, it is stated, been insisted on by employers, who are at a loss to understand the attitude of the Unions. The opinion is held that any decisive step by lie Westport miners will bo similarly followed elsewhere. THE GRANITY COAIPROAIISE. WESTPORT, Dec. 20. The present position at Denniston is that tlie management have called •upon the Union to observe tfie-provi- *“ sions'-of- the Court’s award, offers of compromise (that have been refused) being now withdrawn. A simple arrangement' regarding working hours has been mutually arranged at the Westport Coal Company’s second colliery at Granity. Men employed on the front Shift commence work at 8 .a.oii., and'cease at 3 p.m. The back’ shift men start at 4 p.m. and discontinue at 11 p.m., 20 minutes in each shift being allowed as “level” time. Thus the actual hours are 6 hours 40 minutes. ■ Tlie time occupied 'j* walking from tlio mine entrance to the working place varies considerably.