THE SADDLE HILL STRIKE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2193, 18 May 1908, Page 3

THE SADDLE HILL STRIKE.

|' MINERS’TERMS REJECTED. THE EMPLOYERS’ PROPOSITION. Press Association. DUNEDIN, May 16. At a meeting of miners on strike at Christie Bros.’ mine, Saddle Hill, it was resolved that the men em'.loyB:' ed in No. 2 mine do not go to work until the check inspectors have made r their inspection, and that the men be paid for all time lost. This was refused by Christie Bros., who submitted the following terms of settlement: “That if it be shown that the mine is unsafe, and proved that Christie Bros, were wrong in refusing the check inspector’s permission to inspect the mines, Christie Bros, pay all expenses and the wages of the men who last their work.” This proposal the men have been urged to accept bv the inspectors of mines and labor, and they will probably agree to it at a meeting to be held to-night. SPECIAL MEETING OF MINERS. ASSISTANCE OFFERED FROM BLACKBALL. DUNEDIN. May 17. A special meeting of the Green Island branch of the Otago Coal Miners’ Union was held on Saturday night to discuss the dispute with. Messrs Christie Bros. Messrs Forbes and Love, check inspectors, submitted a partial report on their inspection of Messrs Christie Bros.’ No. 2 mine on Saturday afternoon, and stated they were obliged to postpone the remainder of their inspection owing to the daylight- fading and tho condition ol the mine. Mr. Forbes made a statement concerning the lack ol escape outlets and necessary fences' aerbss the old workings. iio considered that the Government inspector’s report on tho mine was unsatisfactory. The check inspectors had arranged to meet Mr. Christie, and complete the inspection at 1 p.m. to-day, but a protest was made against the inspectors being ordered out to work on Sunday, and the meeting decided that the inspectors should meet Mr. Christio out of courtesy, hut that the inspection be postponed till Monday. During the proceedings a wire was read from Mr. Rogers, at Blackball, as follows: “Wire financial position and if in need of assistance. Ibis was received with tumultuous applause.