MINERS’ PROTEST

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 8 August 1928, Page 8

MINERS’ PROTEST

THE TRIBUTE SYSTEM BIG DEMONSTRATION AT .DENNISTON (By Telegraph.-—Press Asßoeialiou) WESTPORT, 6th August. A demcmstrulioti by ox-or five hundred miners, accompanied by their wives, 'vas held at DeimisUm this morn ing as a protest against I lie tribute system of mining coal. The principals and their workers were met on arrival n< Doiniistou by the gathering, two hands being in attendance. The tribute party were escorted to a road which led to the scene of (heir operations., The largo gathering (here halted, and were addressed by the president of the Minors’ National Council,. Mr D. Hayward; Mr T. Whittle, president of tin-. District Council; Mr \V. Coppersmith, president, of the Deiinislon Aimers’ Union; and Mr T. .Muir, secretary of the Dennistoil Union. The position was placed before the tribute party and they were requested to cease' operations. Mr Humphreys, of the party, replied to the speeches made liv the miners’ representatives, and finally the principals agreed to ceii.sc operations pending a conference to be held at GreymouUi and Westport within a few days, when* it is hoped that a satisfactory arrangement may be arrived at. The miners’ leaders made if quite dear that every effort of the trades union organisation would be employed to stamp out the system objected to. The procession, which covered two miles and a half, was most orderly, and the conduct of the meeting was bevond reproach. The conference to be held will he under the auspices of the Alliance of Labour, the New Zealand Labour Party, and officials of the miners’ councils. All work at Denniston mine ceased for the day. Miners’ leaders throughout counselled the men to abstain from iiitimidation of a violent character, and strongly advised the tribute party - to returiPto their homes. The party, on taking their departure, were lustily cheered for their decision. bands playing llii: residents back to the township. The pipe hand inarched the Denniston people home. No unseemly conduct

was evidenced, and the speeches were of a, persuasive nature against the principle of tributism. STATEMENT BY GENERAL MANAGER DUNEDIN, 7th August, In connection with the miners’ demonstration,. Mr Flavell, general manager of the Westport Goal Company, states that the tribute system had been working only? for a i'cw months. Evidently the objection lias something to do with union feeling, for probably the authorities at the mines have not been particular as to tenders being let exclusively to union members. Recently there was a similar demonstration at Blackball in regard lb Paparon mines. .