THE OTIRA TROUBLE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2594, 31 August 1909, Page 5

THE OTIRA TROUBLE.

A SETTLEMENT EFFECTED.

[Per Press Association.] CHRISTCHURCH, August 30. The Otira tunnel dispute has 1 been, settled. A -conference sat yesterday for six hours, and came to an amicable settlement. Those present were Messrs Hally (Conciliation Commissioner), Murdock McLean, W. H. Gavin (engineer in charge), W. Williams (secretary to the company), Betts and Fagan (union delegates), and W. H. Hagger (representative of the Labor Department). t The parties to the dispute accept a recommendation from the Conciliation Commissioner to the effect that the union undertake to indemnify the employers for any wilful damage or loss that might occur in connection with: the company’s lamps so far as. the members of the union were concerned. The contractors agreed to provide 6oz of carbide of calcium per shift, or equal to 21b 4-oz for the week. The men will take the lamps (which arenumbered) to their huts, but will do refilling at the tunnel. In regard to short shifts on Saturday and Monday, that question has been referred to the Arbitration Court, through the Inspector of Factories, for an interpretation of the legal position. In the meantime both parties have been requested to furnish statements of fact in regard to this matter for the information of the Court.