MEN REFUSE TO PAY FINES.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIX, Issue 76, 28 March 1908, Page 8

MEN REFUSE TO PAY FINES.

L ~ EXTENSION OP STB.IKE FEARED. i (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) I GEBYMOUTH, Friday. The Blackball Miners' Union considerid the proposals by the Labour Department yesterday for assisting towards a settlement, and they were rejected. The miners aTe determined to accept no terms that do not include half-an-hour's £rib time. They are also determined not to pay the fine of £75, and: the deasion of the Government to collect ths amount from the union or proceed indi"ridually against the men w>o be met .with strong opposition. Hγ. Isdall, of the Labour Department, visited Blackball and had an -interview with, the miners and manager. He states that there is no chance of a compromise, both sides remaining firm. Great interest is being manifested in the meeting to be held to-morrow afternoon of the Tyneside miners, who will considter the question of striking in sympathy with Blackball. There is an uneasy feeling about the result, the opinion being that a strike ito uldresult. The old | resident miners are against a strike, but the younger men are for going out. If a. strike occurs at Tyneside it will be a serious thing for the mine, as there will be a danger of it flooding. There is a mild scare in town, and the Soal dealers are rushed with orders. The gas works department has since the strike built up a reserve of 100 tons of «oal. The Wharf Labourers' Union will meet on Sunday afternoon to consider the proposals submitted to them.