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New Zealand Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 13708, 26 March 1908, Page 5

The Christcliurch Press states,: in connection with the strike, on the West Coast, that the Blackball Company has not been a vers- profitable venture to the shareholders. Although formed many years ago, it has been in active operation for some 15 year* only. During that period the-sum of £245,000 has been paid in wages at the mine, and some £1900 has been contributed by the company to the Miners' Sick and Accident Fund. During the same period the shareholders have received onlv four dividends, amounting to £6450. But this is not all. The capital originally subscribed by the shareholders was £44,907, and some years ago the position of the company was so unsatisfactory that no less than £29,308 was written off owing to losses in opening up the mine, thus leaving only £14,969. Subsequently additional shares were issued amounting to £13,360. In other words the- shareholders received £6450 in dividends and lost £29,000 of their capital, The mine-workers, on the other hand, have received nearly u-quarter of a million sterling. Workers generally seem to envy the capitalists, but it is easy to see which side in this case has had the, most cause to complain. Important job purchase of lace insertions; now offering at exceptionally low prices.— c»ith and ,QaiU£hej'e la.ee department,