THE BLA CKBALL STRIKE.

Press, Volume LXIV, Issue 13104, 1 May 1908, Page 8

THE BLA CKBALL STRIKE.

CLAIM AGAINST TjulE COMPANY DISMISSED. (press association telegram.) * GREYMOUTH, April 10. At the Ahaura Magistrate's Court to-day j. the case of-Henry Fox, president of the Blackball Miners' Union, against the Blackball Coal Company, v claim for £55" damages for. alleged wrongful dismissal,, was concluded. . A large, number of witnesses irere examined, the evidence-being similar to that given at.'the-Arbitration Court, when the Miners' Union was fined for striking. ' Tlie following issues were submitted io, arid answered by, the jury:—-(1) /Was plaintiff dismissed without notice f rom : the defendant oomnany on February 26th?—Yes. (2) Was there any agreement in existence whereby notice must be given before men coukl be dismissed?— No. (3), Whether any custom existed in this particular rnino whereby miners were entitled to notioe?—No. (4) What damages, if any?— Nil.

Tlie jury expressed the opinion that tlie mine manager should have showed more courtesy, and allowed Fox to finish his shift. Costs were allowed against plaintiff for £32 Os Gd, including assessors' and counsels' fees.