THE BLACKBALL STRIKE.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIX, Issue 77, 30 March 1908, Page 5

THE BLACKBALL STRIKE.

TYNESIDE MINERS WILL NOT JOIN. WHARF LABOURERS ASK TO BE EXCUSED. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) GREYMOUTH, this day. At a largely-attended meeting of the Brunner Miners' Union, held on Saturday afternoon, a motion was moved allows: —"That the Blackball Union .n-! formed that this union cannot entertain such a proposal, as it is not in, accordance with the Industrial Arbitration and Conciliation Act, and that this .Union does not favour cancellation, and until such cancellation we are bound to abide by the Act." An amendment was moved as follows: "That we respectfully request the management to refrain from supplying orders from the Blackball Coal Company, and that an early reply be requested." In discussion that followed no one favoured a strike, which,, it was recognised, would be a very foolish step to take. Mr. Russell was not present at the meeting, nor were the representatives of the Blackball miners. Many married miners who opposed the strike came to town as usual, knowing that the Blackball proposal would be rejected by an overwhelming majority. This proved to be the case, the voting being S7 to 12. GREyMOUTH, Sunday. A meeting of the "Wharf Labourers' Union was held this afternoon to consider the question of striking but of sympathy with the Blackball miners, and it was unanimously decided not to do so, and that a levy of five per cent on the men's total wages be made for the maintenance of the women and children. This represents from £20 to £30 per week. The sum of £5 0/6 was collected in the hall.

CHEISTCHURCH, this day. The committee of the Canterbury Typographical Association on Saturday evening received a letter froni the Trades and Labour Council, asking for assistance for the Blackball strikers. It was unanimously resolved that the Association had no sympathy with the Blackball miners in their action, and could not therefore grant them any monetary help.

WAIHI. MINERS' CONTRIBUTION.

SUGGESTED AMENDMENT OF ACT. (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) WAIHI, this day. A meeting of the Miners' Union was held.on Saturday night, when affairs at Blackball were discussed. The President (.Mr. Armstrong) moved, "That a further donation of £30 be forwarded, and a levy of 1/ per month be taken from members." This was defeated by an amendment moved by Mr. Ward, "That 1/ per week be collected from members while the trouble lasts." The voting was 50 for the amendment, and 47 ior the motion. A copy of the resolution is to be sent to the Minister for Labour. On the motion of Mr. McNaughton, it was resolved, "That, in the event of a levy, when taken up, not being required, the money be used to wipe out the mortgage on the union building." It was further resolved, "That the Arbitration and Conciliation Act wants amending, so as to put an employer on the same footing as an employee, making lock-outs the same as strikes as far as penalties are concerned." On the motion of Mr. Johnston (vicepresident), the following proposal was also carried unanimously: "Thafe. in the opinion of the meeting the union, has no confidence in Judge Sims as Chairman of the Arbitration Court."