THE STATE COLLIERY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2666, 23 November 1909, Page 5

THE STATE COLLIERY.

A STRIKE IMMINENT

TPer Press Association.! GREYMOUTH, Nov. 22. There was another conference this afternoon. The men are apparently very determined. The “Stax’s” correspondent says tbati unless there is a settlement by 3 p.m. there will be no woijt to-morrow. Later.—The “Star’s” correspondent advises that the deadlock in connection with the collieries continues, the men demanding that the management do the trucking, and the latter requiring that the hewing rate be reduced before this concession is granted. Another conference will lie held this afternoon.; Ail work mav cease to-night. In regard to the State coal mine trouble.°Mr Bishop is hopeful of a settlement to-cay.

DIFFICULTY STILL UNSETTLED—* A STRIKE EXPECTED TO-DAY.

The position at the State Mines is causing a good deal of anxiety locally, and afl manner of rumors are in the air. It was a common rumor throughout the day that a strike will be declared, but so far nothing has been done. The manager, on being interviewed at a late hour this evening, said he was still confident that a settlement would bo arrived at. He stated he had been in conference with the miners’ representatives all day, and had put his final conclusions before them. He was acting from instructions from headquarters in Wellington. The men promised to communicate with him it they had come to a conclusion, but up to eleven o’clock they Had not done so. The manager stated that the men were firm, and would not accept any compromise. After a good deal of discussion it was agreed to adjourn the discussion until to-morrow afternoon. The general opinion in the township is that there will be a stoppage of work, and the manager’s advice that a temporary stoppage will cause great harm will lie disregarded. The men went towork on the four o’clock shift, but itis doubtful if the men will start work at S a.m. Mr. Bishop, manager, has done his utmost to effect a settlement, -

and lias now submitted the matter to - the Department, and is acting on advico received therefrom. The opinion is oxpressed in reliable quarters that a. strike will take place.