THE GOAL STRIKE.

Mataura Ensign, 17 April 1917, Page 7

THE GOAL STRIKE.

CHRISTCHURCH SUPPORT. FOR THE MEN. (Per United Press Association.) CHRISTCH URCH, April 16. A big meeting of Labor supporters was held last night to discuss the municipal, elections and the Labor outlook, lletereuce was made by Messrs ebb and McCombs, M’s.P., to the miners on tlie Coast and the meeting passed a unanimous vote-, “That this meeting of Christchurch • citizens sends its greetings to the miners and offers homes for their wives and children if they send them over.” It was stated that arangements were in hand to house 1000 women and children if necessary. RAILWAYS RUNNING SHORT. WELLINGTON, April 16. Regarding the reduced train services, commencing on jMay 6, it is now stated that unless- the coalminers resume work much greater- reductions will be necessary, of which possibly a week’s notice will be given, (foods trams were not to be reduced, but if a further cut was to ‘be made; this would be uoue. Efforts will be made to carry essentials and-other goods may sometimes be. declined. , . , There will be no delay in working mil the time-table for- such a change because all arrangements ; were made at Christmas when ft strike was thought probable. THE MINISTERS’ VISIT. < WESTPORT, April 16. The acting-Prime Minister and v the Minister for’Mines addressed the miners at Millorton, Stockton and Denniston to-day, putting, it is understood, the position plainly Ijeroro them, ino press was not admitted. The Ministers returned to Westpoit this evening and will leave on a visit to Greym'outh in the morning. It was intended to take on ihursclaj a secret ballot of • the, minors in the Riinei- district on the question of resuming work. THE TROUBLE SPREADING. •

. . AUCKLAND, April 16. Information was received at Auckland to-night that the coalminers empl'oved at Waipa colleries, near •‘Tsgaruawahia, went out on strike this morning. There are between 150 and 200 men in the employ of the Company. Tho men employed by the laupui mines and by the Pukemiro held an important meeting ■' to-mgnt, the result. of • which has not'yet transpired. It is expected however that the men working in this group of mines at Uuntly may go out on strike tomorrow. , The Taupiri Company employs over :i-V) men, and Pukemiro from 180 to 200. ■ . ' , • ,x, So far as can be ascertained the men concerned have not given any reason tor their action, and the only reason that can be assigned to them is then, opposition to conscription. Jt\is hoped that further trouble may be averted, and that an early settlement of the strike of tne West Coast miners will be effected hv the acting-Premier and Hon. W.it). S. Mac Donald. ANOTHER ARREST. DUNEDIN, April 16. Albert Coleman, a visitor from Bunanga, was. arrested nt Fairfield •to-aa-y, on a/ charge of inciting to a seditious strike.' It is stated that Coleman has been visiting Nightcaps and other Southland ami Otago mining centres and addressing the men in- terms inrolving a breach of the war regulatiops.