A COAL-MINERS' STRIKE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2192, 16 May 1908, Page 3

A COAL-MINERS' STRIKE.

FRICTION BETWEEN EMPLOYERS AND MINERS. INSPECTION OF THE MINE. Press Association. DUNEDIN, May 15. Friction -occurred at Messrs Christie Bros.’ mine at Green Island yesterday over the refusal of the proprietors to permit tho workers representatives to inspect the mine. On arrival at Christies’ No.. 2 mine this morning, a discussion arose among the miners as to tho reason why the check inspectors were refused admission. After consultation a statement was drawn up affirming that the men thought there was something radically wrong with tho mine or the owners would not havo refused to allow a check inspection being made and that the men accordingly were afraid to risk their lives and would not go to work until such time as the mine was inspected 'by the workers’ inspector. Representatives of the men came to Dunedin and held a lengthy interview with Inspectors Hally and Hollows (of the Labor Department) and Green (Government Inspector of Mines). It in understood that Mr Jas. Christie, one 0 f the owners and manager of the Saddle Hill mines, was willing to be present, but the men declined to meet him. From what could be gathered in Dunedin, the miners intimated that if Messrs Christie Bros, would invito the check inspectors to visit their mines they would be prepared to return to work. The miners considereddanger exists in tho accumulation of water in the old workings above. It is alleged one miner tapped water in three different places'in the overhead workings. Tho fear is that the present workings are liable to be flood--0(1. Mr Green, Inspector of Mines, left town this afternoon to make an examin at ion of No. 2 Saddle Hill mine. In tho course of a brief interview, ho stated that lie was not aware ot any impending danger ill the mine nor had anything been brought under his notice suggesting that any danger existed, either from the accumulation of water in the old "workings or from gas. He has had tins mine under close inspection and lie found its workings to be in no less sate or satisfactory condition than those 01 mines on which check inspectors have just reported favorably. Work at No. 1 Saddle Hill mine, about a mile away fron\No. 2 mine, was proceeding to-day, but- it 151 possible that unless a settlement is arrived at tlie men there will cease work to-morrow. The men submitted proposals to the Company that they and check inspectors must be paid for loss of time incurred: as a result of the refusal to permit inspection until such time as the Company agrees to inspection. A meeting of miners will be held to-morrow.