STRIKE AT WAIHI.

Mataura Ensign, 14 May 1912, Page 4

STRIKE AT WAIHI.

A SERIOUS POSITION. PEE UNITED PEESS ASSOCIATION. WAIHI, May 14. The air was tluek with rumors yesterday iinent impending trouble between the Miners' Union and the local mining companies over the. severance of the en-gine-drivers from the union and the for-' ination of a separate union under the Arbitration Act. The Minors' Union unsuccessfully attempted to induce the engine-drivers to disband from the new union, and the result was that at 4 o'clock yesterday afternoon the shift did not go to work. The miners held a meeting last night and resolved not to return to work till the engine-drivers rejoined the Miners' Union. Practically all work has ceased at the mines and the batteries., This morning the horses were brought to the surface. The strike will affect about 2000 men and 3000 of their dependents. The borough revenue depends almost entirely on the duty on gold and this will cease during the strike. The gasworks, sanitary service, hospital, waterworks and borough matters generally depend entirely upon this revenue. The mine pumps will be stopped this morning and thia will add to the seriousness of the position. So far as can be ascertained both sides are firm.