MINERS CLASH

Hokitika Guardian, 22 November 1927, Page 3

MINERS CLASH

OUTCOME OK STRIKE

(Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.)

(Received this day at 10.15 a.m.) NEW YORK, Nov. 21. A message from Denver states a long, tense, mine dispute broke into open violence when State police and striking miners battled at Columbia mine. Official reports declare two strikers were killed and at least thirty persons injured. The fight occurred when five hundred miners and women sympathisers rushed fifteen State guards at the mine, which lias been losing ground since the strike was called, and the only property operated virtually throughout the strike. "When the miners approached the property,

the deputy-sheriff mounted a truck and warned them against entering the enclosure. The miners paused, but their leaders urged them on and a crowd pushed inside. The police used tear bombs and the miners retreated cursing and yelling, but charged again when the gas cleared; despite further police warnings. The latter fired in the air hoping to stem the advance, but the attackers swung dubs, waved knives and swept on the officers, who then fired into the advancing ranks. Two miners dropped dead at the first volley. Meantime in another clash near Aguilar, twelve more miners were Injured and thirty-five arrested liy the -deputy-sheriffs, but no shots were Hired. Adams stated martial law shortly would he declared and national guardsmen were being despatched to the strike zone.