THE MINERS’ DIFFICULTY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2405, 21 January 1909, Page 5

THE MINERS’ DIFFICULTY.

TALK OF GENERAL STRIKE. PRACTICAL SYMPATHY. ' [Phess Association.] DUNEDIN, Jail. 20. At a- general meeting of the Olirgo Coal Minors’ Union, a telegram was received from the general secretary of the New Zealand Federation of Miners, asking “what chances there were of the union taking part in a general strike.” A resolution was airried, with only two dissentients, informing the Federation that the union intended to stand by the Arbitration Court to settle any troubles' that might arise. The question of the union joining the Federation of Miners was brought up, and, after discussion, it was resolved, “'That in view of the present state of tinunion’s affairs, members cannot sec their way clear to join the Federation.” The following resolution was also carried, “That this meeting desire to express their hearty-apprecia-tion of the. Prime Minister’s attitude iu the mining trouble, and are strongly of r pinion that he is deserving of the best thanks of all righthinking workers of the Dominion." The meeting expressed their sympathy with the Reefton miners in the “lock-out” ft reed upon them, and decided to strike -a 2A per, cent, levy for their benefit during the trouble. SETTLEMU NT HEARTILY WELCOMED.

•Everything ;i- passing off quietly, -and the mines are being pumped ouand made work Tie. Several falloccurred during the nearly four weeks’ spell, and on these being remedied the men will get back to work again. There is no trouble, and all are heartily .glad of the settlement.

FAR-REACHING AND PROTRAC TED STRIKE PROBABLE. HUXTLY, Jan. 20. The mining trouble at Huntly i c further off from solution than ever. The Taupiri Company lias declined to disrate the four officials whom the union object to, and the men have not gone back on their decision tremain firm. The secretary of the union states that the Otago Miners' Union was not asked to combine in the present strike, but only in the original trouble over the medical examination. If no solution is reached by Friday arrangements will be made for a protracted strike, which would be very far-reaching in effect. So far-no disturbance has occurred.