THE REEFTON MINER’S DIFFICULTY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2380, 22 December 1908, Page 4

THE REEFTON MINER’S DIFFICULTY.

BOTH SIDES FIRM. SERIOUS TROUBLE EXPECTED. [Press Association.] WELLINGTON, Dec. 21.‘ Tile Miners’ Federation Executive, which has been in conference in Wellington discussing the “miners’ complaint” question has concluded its sitting. The Executive endorsed the action of the Inangahua Miners’ Union to strenuously resist any attempt made for the medical examination of miners. The Hon. J. A. Millar, Minister of Labor, has be’on in communication with the Reefton mine owners and received a telegram yesterday declining to accept any compromise whatever in the matter. The Reefton miners met on Thursday evening to consider the position. Serious trouble is expected after January Ist, when, according to the terms set forth, the miners will not be allowed into the mines 'Unless armed with >a doctor’s certificate showing that they are free from “miner’s complaint” or that they have signed an agreement undertaking not to claim compensation on this 'account. The Miners’ Federation expects that the anen will remain firm to their previous resolutions. > There are about 9000 miners employed throughout the Dominion, and of this number 6000 are under the control of the 'Miners’ Federation, the remainder, although they have mot yet affiliated, are said to be in sympathy with the. objects of the Federation. The present situation is scarcely go. verned by the strike clauses of the Arbitration Act, because, in this instance, the men will not refuse to work, but will not be accepted by the owners unless they comply with the l conditions. The ease will, therefore, it is argued, be more in,the nature or a lockout. The Miners’ Federation has considered the contingency of financial assistance being rendered to those men who will find themselves out of employment. In doing this the Federation holds that it would hot be “aiding and abetting” under the provisions of the Act, for no strike, would exist. At present the trouble only affects Reefton, but "it may spread to other mining centres.