THE BLACKBALL STRIKE.

Feilding Star, Volume II, Issue 533, 28 March 1908, Page 3

THE BLACKBALL STRIKE.

GOVERNMENT'S INTENTIONS. STATEMENTS 13V TWO OF THE MINISTERS. SYMPATHISERS IN DUNEDIN. TERMS NOT ACCEPTED BY THE MINERS. WILL THE TYNESIDERS STRIKE V A SERIOUS STATE OF AFFAIRS. {PEB VRL.SS ASSOCIATION.] Wellington, March 27. "The position at the present time," said the Hon. J. A. Millar to a New Zealand Times reporter yesterday, when questioned regarding the continuance of the strike — " is that the Government has made a demand for payment of the fine imposed by the Arbitration Court. Failing payment thereof, the necessary legal action will be taken. The Government is exercising all the powers given to it under the Act to see that the award of the Court is enforced, and is giving the men time to consider their actions before doing anything. So far no effort has been made to comply with the order, but the Department is at once taking the necessaiy steps to enforce it." The Hon. Dr. Findlay, as AttorneyGeneral, was afterwards asked for a further elucidation of the legal point. "I not only share the view of the Minister of Labour on this matter," replied Dr. Findlay to a question, "but I advised the Government shortly after the strike took place as to what steps could be taken to punish those who aided and abetted the strike. There is no doubt a great deal of misconception as to the powers of the Government in connection with this matter. It is quite clear under section 15 of the Act of 1905 that a strike is not a continuing offence whatever may be the popular opinion. The strike is complete under this section as soon as the men in concert leave work. They can be punished for' this once, and once only, under section 15. The Government under the circumstances lias been entirely limited to proceedings against either the Unions or the men. Proceedings were taken against the Union because it had in this case called a special meeting, and formally passed a resolution which was entered in the minute book proposing a strike. For this the Union was fined £75 and, failing payment by the Union, the members are individually liable up to a limit of £10 each. To now proceed against the men independently would be to punish these twice over, for no doubt in fixing the fine the Arbitration Court considered the conduct of the members of the Union, and intended the punishment to be both collective and individual. As Mr Miilar has informed you, proceedings are being taken against the Union ro compel payment of the fine by the processes provided by law. Under all the circumstances, Dr. Findlay concluded: "It cannot be said that the Government has in any way failed to enforce the law as it at present stands. Dunedin, March 27. Mr Prichard, representative of the Blackball miners, addressed a meeting in the Alhambra Theatre this evening. There were about 120 people present. After Mr Prichard had explained the position at Blackball, from the miners' point of view, the following resolution was carried without dissent : — "That this meeting of citizens of Dunedin, after hearing the representative of the Blackball Miners' Union (Mr Prichard) congratulates the miners on their resentment of the dastardly action of the mine manager in victimising seven of their comrades, and expresses hope that they will be successful in their efforts to secure an. extension of the crib time to 30 minutes. Also, that this meeting pledges itself to financially support the wives and children of those who have ceased work." Greymouth, March 27. The Blackball Miners' Union considered the proposals made by the Labour Department yesterday for assisting a settlement, and the proposals Avere rejected. The miners are determined to accept no terms, that do not include half an hour's crib time. The miners are also determined not to pay the fine of £75, and the decision of the Government to collect the amount from the Union, or proceed individually against the men will be met with strong opposition. Mr Isdell, of the Labour Department, visited Blackball yesterday, and had interviews with the miners and manager. He states there is no chance of a compromise, both sides remaining very firm. Great interest is manifested in the meeting to-morrow afternoon of the Tynside miners, who will consider the question of striking in sympathy with Blackball. There is an uneasy feeling about the result. The old resident miners are against -a strike, but the younger men are for going out. If a strike occurs at Tyneside, it will be a serious thing for the mine, as there will be a danger of it flooding. There is a mild scare in town, and coal dealers are rushed with orders. The gas works department has, since the strike, built up a reserve of 200 tons ,of ooal. The Wn&rf Labourers' Union meet on Sunday afternoon to consider the proposal submitted to them.