AN IMPENDING STRIKE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2252, 25 July 1908, Page 2

AN IMPENDING STRIKE.

COAL MINERS’ ULTIMATUM. A SETTLEAIENT WANTED. [Pbess Association.] WELLINGTON. July 24. A strike of some dimensions* it is stated, is threatened in connection with the coal-mining industry. The. Minister for Labor (the Hon. J. A. , Millar) has been informed by. tele-; gram from the officers of the miners’ union, Otago, that unless a- settlement of the existing dispute between the miners and the coal mine owners is arrived at by Monday next, 9000 will go out on strike. This decision is the outcome of negotiations that have been in progress for some time past. Tlie miners went before the Arbitration Court in Dunedin, and the Court instructed them to go back to the employers and try to arrange a conference with a view to a settlement. They state'that they had previously endeavored to settle-their difference by this means without success. The miners now fear that they' will not be able either to bring about; an agreement or conclude the conference before the end of the present sitting of the Court, and they have therefore decided, as already stated, that they will strike unless,'by Monday. a. settlement has been arranged, or they have been granted permission to go before the Court.

[Special to “Times.”]

WELLINGTON. July 24.

In reference to the coal miners’ strike in the south, the Alinister for Labor informs me that lie received a telegram from the union officials stating that there was a 'probability of 9000 men going out on strike. Later advices, however, are to the effect that the strike may be confined to Green Island, if it does eventuate. Air. Alillar. informs me that Air. Foster, the president of the. Denniston Coal Aliners’ Union, says that the West Coast miners are' against a general strike. He also hears the Kaitangata men will not go out'. Alouday or Tuesday is mentioned as the day on which the men are likely to go out. Subsequently I had a, conversation with the Prime Alinister on the subject. He said he had no further information beyond what Airy Alillar had vouchsafed.' He. however, expressed the opinion that if 'the strike took place it would be a very unwise procedure on the part of the men. Undoubtedly every effort should bo made to arrange the matter at a, conference between the men and the owners. [Pkess Association.] . NAPIER, July 24. In connection with the rumor of a threatened coal strike in August, the manager of the Napier Gas Company informed a reporter that the feeling of unrest had been, recognised by his company for some time, and, in consequence, largo stocks had been laid in.