SHOPKEEPERS' ALLIANCE.

Auckland Star, Volume XXI, Issue 172, 23 July 1890, Page 2

SHOPKEEPERS' ALLIANCE.

(BTT TBLEGKAPH.—P_tESS AS-OCIATION.)

Wellington, this day.

A, number of employers and shopkeepers in the <jity are .-king Bteps to form an Association for mutual protection.

BRUNNERTON COAL MINERS.

-' (__• telegraph.—press association.)

Gretmouth, this day.

l_r R. Andrews, general secretary of the Win era' Association, writes to the " Grey River Argus," that while only 194 coal hewers are i_ the mino, 492 persons altogether are engaged. The average weekly wage of 194 since March last is £2 10s to ■ ;jB2 6g per week each man. The average •number of days worked during the same "period, is eleven days per fortnight, and the average during last year a little over seven days per fortnight. The average 'miners' earnings throughout tbe year are paly £2 per week. He protests against the whole 20 per cent, reduction demanded coming off the miners' pick alone, and not torching anyone else. ,'They are not yet in possession of the of the audit, and until they have these, they are not in a position to know what course to pursue regarding the Company'a proposals. Yesterday Inspector Goodall took a contingent of police to Brunnerton. The men are indignaYitji violent proceedings need be apprehended on their part. Many did not know the miners' meeting was to be held yesterday/ There seems to be a want of organisation. Their leaders control the whole thing and the miners stand idly by, but have perfect confidence in their leaders. All .the proceedings are strictly eecret. Those who know refuse to divulge anything. It is evident nothing bae been done so far.