STRIKE IN THE STATE COAL MINE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2679, 8 December 1909, Page 5

STRIKE IN THE STATE COAL MINE.

WORK TO BE RESUMED.

MINERS’ DEPUTATION MEET MINISTERS.

(Pun Puess Association.] WELLINGTON, Dec. 7. Member s of the executive of the Miners’ Federation keenly resented the Government’s decision that the case would have to he .put in writing before the Cabinet would agree to receive a deputation. At the delegates’ conference last night the opinion was expressed, and strongly supported, that the Government should be given only a day nr which to make up its mind in this matter. Failing a satisfactory reply from the Premier, a member of the House of Representatives would be asked to move: “That Mr. Semple, the president of the State Miners’ Union, should allowed to state the sinners cause on the floor of the House.” 4: ‘

THE CASE FOR THE MEN —STATEMENT BY MINERS’ FEDERATION.

The executive of the.Miners’ Federation states that, in asking for the management to do trucking at Point Elizabeth. the miners are only asking tor what obtains in other mines. *Lo men now on strike are asking noieij to be placed in a position of eqaijity with other coal mines in the Dominion. They admit that their demand involved the employment of an additional 18 01 20 men, but, as against this, the output must be greater, as there must be an increase when the miner is able to spend his whole time hewing coal. In the min© at Point Elizabeth, the pillars are exceptionally high, rendering the work of timbering more difficult and dangerous; hence it is absolutely necessary that not less than two men should attend to the timbering. Tho miner, while working at the face, gets into a heavy perspiration. Directly he leaves the face with his truck of coal he removes into an airwav. where there is a strong current of cold air, and is often obliged to stand there for ten or fifteen minutes, with, the result that .he is prone to contract a chill, ana, in any case, he is not fully fit to hew coal when he returns to the face after trucking. The miners in this particular mine are obliged to use safety lamps, which in time impair the sight. It isdangerous that men who have to use safety lamps should do trucking and jigging under all the circumstances.

INTERVIEW WITH MINISTERS — THE STRIKE TO BE TERMINATED.

The Miners’ Executive interviewed the Prime Minister and the Minister or Mines this evening. As a result of the conference, the executive obtained an assurance that- the Minister of Mines •will visit the mine after the session and will inquire into everything alleged: with the view of giving the men at Point Elizabeth conditions not. less favorable than those now obtaining other mines. Under the circumstance, the executive have decided to advise. the men now on strike to resume work.