THE MINERS’ DIFFICULTY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2404, 20 January 1909, Page 5

THE MINERS’ DIFFICULTY.

A REMARKABLE STATEMENT

NO VIOLENCE UNLESS THE POLICE APPEAR.

(Press Association.)

AUCKLAND, Jan. 19

The second conference between the Huntly miners and the companies, relative to the employment of four men who submitted to an examination, takes place this afternoon. Three hundred men are still on strike, 'and declare that they will not enter the mine until these four, wQio hold the position of being in charge of fires, are placed in a position where they have no control over the men. Processions are held daily,' men and women waving flags land bannerettes, but there has been no molestation or stone throwing. The president of the union anticipates no violence unless drafts of police appear. THE POSITION AT HUNTLY. • -A SERIO US ’ OUTDO OK. CP ress Association.) HUNTLY, Jan. 19. The Huntly coal miners decided to-day, after a conference with the directors of the Taupiri Coal Company, to remain out. The position is therefore more serious than ever. The company agreed to reinstate throe men now under suspension, and also to disrate one only of the four whom the union wish reduced in status. It was plainly sfcv 1 1 to the union that the company would make no further concesion. The men at a mass meeting -refused the company’s offer, reiterating the demand that the four alleged “blacklegs” should be disrated, and not again employed by the company in ah official capacity. The president of, tlic .union (Mr. J. Fulton) states (that unless a settlement is arrived iat by next Saturday the union may withdraw the, enginedrivers mow keeping the pumps going Should tho mine be flooded it would take three or four months to unwfctcr it again. Tlie men out number 375. No strike pay has been paid, for the union 'anticip cites fin cine is -1 'lie lip ii necessary from all unions in the Dominion. The men -are orderly, and frequent entertainments are held to distract their (attention. A prolonged struggle will affect the dairying arid gold mining industries and flax mills, which all draw supplies from the Taupiri Company. :

PROTEST AGAINST EXERTION WAGE.

REEFTON, Jan. 19. The 'Miners’ Union simply rescinded the resolution re not‘going to work. They also entered a protest against the exertion wage at -Otira. York has been resumed in nil the mines.