STRIKE IN THE STATE COAL MINE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2669, 26 November 1909, Page 5

STRIKE IN THE STATE COAL MINE.

MATTERS UNCHANGED.

fl’Ell PItKBB AaSOCVATION-I GREYMOUTH, Nov. 25. Matters in connection with the strike at the State mine are unchanged. Both sides are awaiting developments. There appears to be keen determination on the part of the men to remain firm, and they contend that they have not been fairly treated. It is asserted that the struggle will be a lengthy one unless the Government give way on the matters under dispute. There is little to report, as everything is quiet at - the State mine, and most of the miners are in town. The engineers are still, at work attending to matters in connection with the. safety of the mine. The men state that they are prepared, to remain quiet until the department ; makes a move. As far as they . are concerned" they will not consent to the reduction in the hewage rates, and unless the Government consent- to do trucking the strike will last for some time.

In the course of an unofficial statement it is shown that the miners’ executive some months ago, submitted a proposal for one Denny reduction in the hpwing rate providing the management did all the trucking. The miners, however, refused' to confirm this, although the point in dispute is the demand of the Miners’ Union that the management undertake all trucking and jigging. Efforts to bring about a compromise on this issue have severaV times been attempted, but the efforts always proved abortive, the men being in no humor for any compromise. They want their demand or nothing. The miners’ meeting yesterday lasted over two hours, but no communication whatever would be made to the press. Doth sides are “lying low, ' taking no action whatever to bring about a resumption of negotiations. All members of’the union have been pledged to refuse to give any information to the press, which, in consequence of the reticence of both parties, is at a. disadvantage in obtaining an authoritative statement. Many rumors are in circulation anent the outcome of yesterday’s meeting. Only this is certain so far, that no other unions have as yet been approached in. the matter by the State miners. There is a great deal of ccal from other local mines, all of which are advertising for more miners. OAMARU, Nov. 25. Local coal dealers do not anticipate trouble before the end of January or February, when 1000 tons of Newcastle coal will be required for threshing purposes. The amount was expected to arrive at the end of the month, but owing to the strike the steamer left empty, and whilst the "Westport coal might act as a substitute for threshing, it is anticipated a possible shortage may occur. At present there are good local stocks, and no rise in price is expected, though some householders are laying in stocks. FEARS OF THE STRIKE SPREADING. The “Star’s” correspondent telegraphs that fears are entertained at Runanga that the strike will spread if the trouble is not settled in a day or two. SINISTER RUMORS. Matters in connection with the State miners’ strike are' being kept very quiet. There are rumors in town that the other mines on the coast will cease work on Saturday.