THE MINERS’ DIFFICULTY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2390, 4 January 1909, Page 4

THE MINERS’ DIFFICULTY.

WAIKATO UNION REFUSES MEDICAL EXAMINATION.

[Press Association.l

AUCKLAND, Jan. 2

Miners employed by the Taupiri Coal Company, Ltd., received notice on ceasing work on Thursday that they would be required to udergo a. medical examination before resuming work on Monday, the 4th inst. A meeting of the Waikato Miners’ Union was held the same evening,' and the followig resolution passed, to be sent to the manager.; “That we object to and will not undergo the medical examination as requested by the Taupiri Coal Compay, Ltd. Furthermore, we shall hold the company responsible for our wages whilst we are locked out, pending the decision of this matter.” AN ABORTIVE CONFERENCE.' REEFTON, Jan. 2. The conference between the miners and owners to-day proved abortive. The latter stated that if the Government Insurance or any other company took the risk for* say, five years, they would, insure, but insist on medical examination. The men as determinedly oppose examination. The Federation is trying to induce the.. Government Insurance Department to undertake the insurance. A meeting of miners will be held to-night" to discuss the position. WORK TO CEASE AT REEFTON. REEFTON, J,an. 3. A meeting of 300 .miners was held last night, but was not open to the press. It is understood that the delegates to:the Federation of Miners and the committee reported that no agreemen had been come to with the. employers- Messrs Colvin, M: P., and P. J. O’Regan addressed the meeting.Ultimately it was decided that no member of the union go to work tomorrow. The only miners working m the district will he. the tributers on the Golden Fleece.; Six hundred men employed ig the mines are affected.