The Advocate [Established 1888.] THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 1908. THE BLACKBALL TROUBLE.

Bush Advocate, Volume XX, Issue 1004, 16 April 1908, Page 4

The Advocate [Established 1888.] THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 1908. THE BLACKBALL TROUBLE.

The position in regard to the strike of the Blackball miners remains in an unsatisfactory state. The difficulty has now been in existence for some weeks. The men are quite as obdurate as ever, and the ordinary person is asking himselfl the question whether there is in existence such a law as an Act to prevent . strikes. The experience of the last twelve months is certainly not satisfactory on the point. The Premier has been speaking on the subject of ; late at several towns. We have been informed that the fine inflicted on the union must be paid, and that tlie law must be paramount. This statement of the position has been voiterated by the Hon. Mr McGowan, and it has been telegraphed all over the colony as if it was equivalent to the j settlement of the • difficulty. But . this sort of thing has been going on i for weeks past, while in the mean- ■ time every effort has been made by the officials of the department to induce the men to give up their defiant " attitude, promises even being held ' out that "easy terms" would bf granted the strikers. This is so absurdly different to what was expected i would be the case, supposing a strike was called, that the most intense surprise has been created, and the steps the Government intend to take arc l)eing awaited with extreme interest. ' It is not a matter for wonder, undei the circumstances, that the action of the Government is being strongly criticised. In tlve meantime, the ' Otago employers have resolved to hit out on original lines. Dr Findlay has argued that a strike is not a continuing offence, and consequent^ those unions which have been aiding and abetting the strikers cannot be cited before the court for a breach of

the Act. Another equally eminent counsel has held to the contrary, and with a view to ascertaining who is right the Otago Employers' Federation has resolved to initiate action against the offending unions. The result of this development should be. interesting.