THE WAIHI MINERS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 15169, 7 December 1912, Page 8

THE WAIHI MINERS.

FREE TO JOIN NEW UNION.

OPTION OF SEEKING WORK

ELSEWHERE.

TO BE GIVEN CLEARANCE.

MANY PREFER TO LEAVE.

[BY TELEGRAPH.— OWN" CORRESPONDENT.]

Waihi, Friday.

The attitude of the mine-owners in insisting t'liat all men applying for work in and about the mines must become members of an arbitration union before being given employment, was discussed at a largelyattended meeting of fedcrationists m the ; Miners' Union Hall this morning, there being about 250 present. After discussion a motion giving members the option of joining the new union or leaving Waihi was submitted and carried with but two or three dissentients. With a view to indicating the position in which the old | union would stand financially as a result lot' the decision a show of hands of those who would prefer to leave the town rather than join the new union was called for. and it is stated that about 80 per cent, of those present declared in favour of leaving. In order that no stigma may be placed upon tho men who are prepared to join the new union, it was decided that they sliould be given clearances from the Labour Federation.

*The question whether Waihi should be declared a "black" town was left to- the executive of the Federation of Labour.