THE COAL STRIKE

Grey River Argus, 20 September 1932, Page 5

THE COAL STRIKE

IN SOUTHLAND Linton Coy. Gets Out Coal A BRIDGE DYNAMITED. MINERS NOT RESPONSIBLE. (Per Press Association). INVERCARGILL, September 19. Though the coal strike at Ohai is now in its fifth week, there have been no developments on either side until to-day, when the Linton Coal Coy commenced taking some 150 tons of coal out of its mine for the purpose of safety. No objection was raised by the Miners’ Union to this work being carried out. At an early hour this morning, « small bridge over the Morley stream, giving means of communication between the Linton Coy’s mine and the elevator, was damaged by an explosion, which rendered it unsafe for traffic. No information is available as to the actual perpetrators of the incident, which, it is believed, was intended to frustrate the efforts of the Company in carrying coal from the mine to th- 1 railway trucks. The explosion did not damage the bridge extensively, as repairs were immediately put in hand, and the first rake of trucks was brought to the top of the hill and tipped at 2.15 p.m. The work was carried out by the officials of the Company, and, while it was in progress police officers were in evidence.

Up to the present, no action what ever has been taken by the miners.

Since the stoppage eventuated, on August 19, the Union has not even held a meeting of its members, though the usual executive meetings have taken place each fortnight.

It is understood that the coal being lifted by the Linton Company was obtained from a recent fall .and was loaded by permanent employees. Some five hundred miners, deputies and engineers are affected by the stoppage.

All of the other miners in the district are idle, but the fact that the Linton Company is now taking out coal may tend to bring matters to a head. It is emphasised, however, that this action is being taken purely for safety purposes, and to have the trucks available in the event of any emergency arising in the mine.