THE STRIKE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 8536, 17 March 1908, Page 7

THE STRIKE.

STIU IN PROGRESS. Per Press Association. GREYMOUTH. March 16. There is no change in tho position of affairs at. Blackball. This morning tho Miners' Union hold a mooting and decided to stand firm. The State- coal Illinois arc determined not to take part in the trouble, and express themselves vory much against tho attitude of the Blackball men. At Tynosido the question is not considered, tho men blaming the agitators for the trouble. It is understood tho member for the district will visit Blackball today to talk the matter over with the miners with a. view to a set'lenient. The mine manager forwards the following telegrams to tho Argus for publication, stating that they have been held back as it was thought the men would return to work to-day, but since they have not ho is compelled to give them publicity:—"Blackball Coal Co.. Christchurch. It is imperative that you line! Mr McCulJough. of the Arbitration Court, and ask him if he informed the minors that the manager would make a public .statement; in Court after the verdict was read not to victimises the men. The men ask his reason for giving the information. Th;i manager gave his Avoid of honour, but no public statement was promised or mentioned at Iho conference on Thursday afternoon.—James Lcircli, Blackball." '

Tho following reply was received: — "Mr McCullougli denies having- informed ilio minors that you would make a statement in Court. He has wired the Union statins , that his recollection of the conference is that you. having already made a promise in such a public manner, a statement by you in Court was arrrood in bo unwarranted. —McKellar."