THE GOAL STRIKE

New Zealand Times, Volume XLII, Issue 9639, 20 April 1917, Page 5

THE GOAL STRIKE

SECRET BALLOT ON COAST GOVERNMENT WILL ENFORCE MILITARY SERVICE ACT. Press Association. HOKITIKA, April 19. The Acting-Prime Minister and the Hon. W. U. S. .MacDonald visited Hokitika to-day. Although only short notice ’.as given, the Town Hall was packed. Tho County Council chairman presided. Short speeches were given hy the Ministers. Sir James Allen, referring to the / cause of the Ministers’ visit to tho West Coast, said that ho and his colleague had addressed she miners in many parts of the district. Tho miners were taking a secret ballot on tho question of resuming work. The Government would ho delighted it the men wont bitek, but if an adverse vote were cast the Government would do its duty. Tho speakers both referred to the part New Zealand was playing in the war, and affirmed that the Government was determined to see tho Military Service Act carried out. The following resolution was earned unanimously, the audience cheering and singing tho “National Anthem”'. —“That this meeting pledges itself to support tho National Government in giving effect to any measures that may bo deemed necessary to deal with the present national crisis.” WESTLAND DISTRICT BEHIND THE GOVERNMENT. HOKITIKA, April 19. At the conclusion of a representative meeting of farmers and others, held here yesterday, a telegram Sent to the Acting-Prime Minister hy tho United Federation of Labour was referred, to. and a, motion was carried unanimously, and with prolonged applause, to notify the Prime Minister that the Westland district was behind the Government in its desire to see tho -National Service Act fully carried out. The wisdom of the country, expressed through Palrliaraent, passed the Act. and the desire was to have tho Act fully enforced. On the carrying of the motion, the largo audience rose and sang the National Anthem. NO DEVELOPMENTS IN NORTH RETRENCHING AT AUCKLAND. Press Association. AUCKLAND, April 19. There are no developments regarding the strike. The Huntly miners are still working. They are expected to take a secret ballot on Saturday. The City Council to-night decided to out off tho supply of current for electrical signs and verandah lights, also for the tramway company, which obtains portion of its supply from the municipality. The Mayor and engineer were authorised to take action with regard to lifts and picture-shows if necessary.