THAMES MINERS' UNION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 10278, 2 November 1896, Page 5

THAMES MINERS' UNION.

[BY TELEGRAPH.—OWN CORRESPONDENT.) Thames, Sunday. The quarterly meeting of the Thames Miners' Union was held last evening, the president, Mr. H. Potts, being in the chair. The first business was the election of two members of the committee, vice Messrs. Ross and Dunkin, who through absence from the district had forfeited their seats. Only two nominations were received, viz., Messrs. H. Davis and J. MoLoughlin, and they were therefore declared elected. The President brought up tho desire of the Waihi branch to determine its allegiance with the Thames Union, and to form what is called a colonial district. Tho matter had come before the committee, by whom ib was referred to the mem bers for their decision. Personally Mr. Potts said, he was against the proposal, as it would simply mean working in a more cumbersome and expensive manner, with no apparent advantage. This view the meeting endorsed, and ib was resolved that the question of forming a colonial district be deferred for a year. The President also brought up, at the wish of the Waihi branch, the matter of increasing its steward's salary, but that was nob looked upon favourably by the meeting, the members being of opinion that in receiving £15 per annum tho steward was well paid for his services. A resolution that the salary remain as at present was carried. A long discussion took place upon the desirability of the Union supporting Mrs. Develin, the widow of the miner who recently lost his life through an explosion at the WaihiSilverton mine in an action she is bringing to recover compensation from the company for the loss of her husband. Ib appears that she has been offered £100, exclusive of an amount which the company said had already been advanced, but acting on legal advice the widow does not think the sum mentioned sufficient. It was resolved that the Union do all in its power to assist Mrs, Develin in securing what the meeting called only justice, and a committee was appointed to assist in the matter. This was all the business of importance.