BLACKBALL MINERS DISPUTE

Grey River Argus, 1 December 1920, Page 3

BLACKBALL MINERS DISPUTE

! . * Mr J. Arbucklc, secretary of the New Zealand Miners' Federation, in an interview, stated the Blackball Coal Company have been continually pinpricking the men "ever since the advent of a certain official, whoso conception or" fair-dealing is very rcp'rehensible. Since the national agreement has come into force three or four cases have reached the National Disputes Committee, and every one of thmc has been proved against the company. In all probability the present dispute will do likewise, and a demand may be made for the removal" of tactless officials, who arc a continuous source of irritation and discontent. From other sources it is learned that one miner whose reinstatement is refused was dismissed on what the miners consider to be the cxparttt evidence 0 fan Official', while another -case is, that of Angus MeLagagn, ex -president" of the Blackball Miners' Union, and formerly a member 'of the "'National Executive of the Miners' Federation. The facts in connection with McLaggan's case are as follows: Some time ago his father died at Blackball, and shortly afterwards he Teecived word of the serious illness of his mother' in Scotland. ' Giving notice of the termination of his employment with the Blackball Company he returned to Scotland, arid later Teturned to New Zealand, and was refused re-employment, notwithstanding the fact that miners are required, as the company has been shorthande df or some time. A case very' similar to that of McLaggan is that of . T. Thomson, who was refused employment tought his home is in Blackball.