THE KAITANGATA STRIKE.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue LXVIII, 15 July 1912, Page 8

THE KAITANGATA STRIKE.

KAITANGATA, July 14. One hundred and forty-three members of the Otago Coal Miners' Union (affiliated with the Federation of Labor) 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 Semple and Howard, of the executive of the Federation, were present, and addressed the men. Drastic action had been threatened if recognition was not extended, but the meeting showed no disposition to take this course. Mr Semple said that it was no use declaring a strike unless the men were absolutely solid. _ The meeting finally passed a resolution inviting the rival union to a trial of strength by secret ballot, the registers of each union to be impounded and only members to be allowed to vote. This course is almost certain to be refused by the arbitrationists. In the past week they pained 40 members, and expect more. S^ch a vote would also exclude independent members, whose sentiments are, if anything, against the Federation.

Saturday's meeting apparently accomplishes nothing beyond revealing the set of the tide locally against "drastic action."

A conference is proceeding between tiie management and the Arbitration Union on the reference submited, with a view to an agreement being arrived at.