THE SOUTHERN COAL MINERS.

Press, Volume XLVIII, Issue 14407, 15 July 1912, Page 8

THE SOUTHERN COAL MINERS.

THE MEN AGAINST "DRASTIC

ACTION."

(PRESS ASSOCIATION' TKLEGBAU.) KAITANGATA, July 14. One hundred and forty-three members of the Otago Coal Miners' Union (affiliated to the Federation of Labour) met privately on Saturday evening to consider the action of the union in view of.the decision of the directors of the New Zealand Coal and Oil 'Company not to recognise it. Messrs Sempl© and Howard, of the executivo of the Federation, were present, and addressed the men. "Drastic action" had been threatened if recognition was not extended, but the mooting showed no disposition to take this course. .Mr fcjcmplo said it was no use declaring a strike unless tho men were absolutely solid.

Tho meeting finally passed a resolution" inviting the rival (arbitration) -union to a trial of strength by secret ballot, the registers of each union to be impounded and only members allowed to vote. , This course is almost certain to _bo refused by the arbitrationists. During tho past week they gained 40 members, and expect moro. Such a vote would also <wcludo independent voters whoso sentiment, if anything, is against the Federation of Labour and trouble. •Saturday's meeting apparently accomplishes nothing beyond revealing a set of the tide locally against "drastic action." Conferences aro proceeding between the management and the '•arbitration" union on references submitted, with a view to an agreement being arrived