THAMES UNION APPROVES AWARD.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXII, Issue 154, 1 July 1901, Page 2

THAMES UNION APPROVES AWARD.

At a special meeting of the Thames Miners' Union held on Saturday night the recent finding of the Conciliation Board in the mining dispute was considered. In the absence of the president (Mr W. H. Potts) the chair was taken by the vice-president, Mr James Hardman. After the finding had been read, Mr W. Jennings moved, "That the award as read by. accepted by the Union." Mr M. O'Keefe moved as an amendment, "That this central branch of the Thames' Miners' Union does not accept the award, because we think it is unfair and unsatisfactory." Mr O'Keefe considered it ill-bec6ming for the parent branch of the Union to accept an award which outside branches thought was unsatisfactory to them. They should see that the outside districts were fairly treated. He considered they were not fairly treated by the award of the Board, and pointed out as ;m insinnec that whilst 37 wages men at present employed in Thames mines would receive an increase of lOd per day by the award, yet over 100 wages men employed at the Great Barrier mines would receive Sd per day less by the same award than they were now re-

ceiving. Mr J. Seymour seconded the amendment.

After further discussion the question was put to the meeting, twenty voting for the amendment and 30 in favour of the award. A number of those present did not vote by the show of hands. The resolution was declared carried, and the Chairman announced that in order to make the action of the meeting legal a ballot would have, to be taken, and that it would be opened that evening for the convenience of those who wished to record their votes at once, ond also all day on Monday, until 6 p.m. Mr John Seymour was appointed returning officer.