THE BLACKBALL STRIKE.

Feilding Star, Volume II, Issue 530, 25 March 1908, Page 3

THE BLACKBALL STRIKE.

EXTRAORDINARY POSITION. COAL FAMIN-TIN THE TOWNSHIP. FINANCIAL HELP. [PEE- PBESS -ASSOCIATION.] Westport, March 24. The Westport Labour Union has not taken any definite action respecting assistance to Blackball miners. At a special meeting of the Granity Creek Miners' Union the question of appointing an organising seoretary for tho Coast was discussed. It was resolved to have one appointed. On the question of assistance to tbe Blackball miners no immediatie action was taken, although the question ol assista_.ce to tho wives and families was recognised. The prinoiplo ot conciliation and arbitration was upheld. Greymouth, March 24. A most extriordnary position tor Blackball, and one hard to realise, is that ihe township is faced with a coal famine. Millions of tons m the Blackball mine, and tens of millions or tons of coal on the Paparoa lead, and yet with all this coal at our doors there is none to be purchased for love ot money. Last week two dray-loads ot coail were brought from the -_>nesade mine, but, of course, after railage to Ngahere and cartage to Blackball are paid, the coal is almost as dear as diamonds, fortunately, wood is abundant, and now groups of miners may be seen wielding the axe. "Your move next," is the position now taken up by both parties. No negotiations have taken place .to-day. In fact, matters have never boon so quiet. I 'have reason to believe, (however, that some proceeduigs at present kept secret are taking place. Writing .in to-night's Star, one_qt the d_jm?sse_ men states that botti Messrs Hickey and Pritchard are paying their own expenses «\ u tours now being undertaken by them. Christchurch, March 25. The Christchurch General Labourers' Union last night voted £10 donation and £1 per week as long as the strike lasts to wives and children of the Blackball miners.