STRIKE IN THE STATE COAL MINE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2674, 2 December 1909, Page 5

STRIKE IN THE STATE COAL MINE.

THE CALM BEFORE THE STORM.

[Per Press Association.! GREYMOUTH, Dec. 1

There is the greatest reticence observed over strike matters, and it appeal's to l>e a case of the calm before the storm. If one can judge by the persistent rumors that are going the rounds, before many days a general strike will take place. Both sides are playing the waiting game, and, until a move is made, no authentic news can he obtained.

STATEMENT BY THE GOVERN-

MEXT

WELLINGTON, Dec. 1. A supplementary order paper issued this evening, replying to Mr. Guinness’ question as to tlie position at the Point Elizabeth 'State mine, says that the Government and the management at the mine used every endeavor to arrive at a settlement of the dispute between the Miners’ Union and the mine manager. The industrial agreement between the manager and the workers, showing tonnage rates for hewing coal and payment for other classes of labor, is quoted, as well as the new proposals 'uch provide for the manager doing all trucking and jigging. To concede this demand, ■vthich was the only one not settled before the strike, would have involved an additional" cost of about £4OOO a year. During the last six working months the mine was making no profit. The Government, in view of this fact, considered it impossible to accede to the request, as the wages already earned, 14s a day, were fair and reasonable. The Government offered to submit the dispute to arbitration if the men continued to work under the old agreement. The Government after considering the courses open, decided to refuse the demand and let the questions be submitted to arbitration or to the Concililation Commissioner. The manager reported that if the concession for trucking and jigging were granted it would increase the men’s earnings by about 20 per cent.