COAL MINERS' DISPUTE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17428, 24 September 1918, Page 5

COAL MINERS' DISPUTE

RESULT OF SECRET BALLOT. HOW THE DISTRICTS VOTED. (Pee United Pbess Association,) AUCKLAND, September 23. Mr Parry, secretary of the Coal-Tuners' Federation, states that the secret ballot resulted in 1802 votes being recorded for and 862 .igainst accepting tho agreement, the being as follows: — ' For. Against. Hikurangi 84- 4 Huntly 273 9 Rotowaru 55 1 Pukemiro ... 115 10 Glenmassey 63 6 Puponga 30 0 Avoca ... 10 18 Denniston 134- 139 Roa 47 15 Millerton ... 160 160 Blackball - 129 122 Bruimerton ... 39 1 State Mines 225 ,141 Ngakawau ... 107 '127 Green Island 54 13 Taratu — 31 16 Kaitangata ... 158 43 Nightcaps 88 37 WELLINGTON TRAMWAYS v go-slow policy. IRRITATING DELAYS. (Pee United Pbess Association.) WELLINGTON, September 23. Saturday's go-slow tactics on the tramways continued in the evening. Huge car loads were proceeding' at p. snail's pace, and causing great inoonvenience. The cars yesterday presented a similar general air of leisurely activity, but the public, apparently anticipating 1 this state of affairs, did not venture out in such numbers as usual. It is understood that if the men pursuo the same tactics to-day steps will be taken, to counter-move in a maimer that may prove to the disadvantage of those detected in deliberately going alow. THE LEGAL ASPECT. POSSIBILITY OF PROSECUTIONS. WELLINGTON, September 23. The legal aspect of die attitude of . the tram.waymen has become more definite. The view of tho latest tactics of tho men in regard to the "go-slow" policy is that it is an offence under the War Regulations if done deliberately. A Labour Department official told a reporter that it had been ruled some time ago .with referenco to coal miners that to go slow was practically tho same as knocking off work: it was just a question of degree. Tho Maj'or, on being interviewed, would make no othex statement beyond that ho could state emphatically that tho "go-slow" scheme was being confirmed by observation. It is understood that legal action may l>e taken within a day or two. Tho Mayor states that the amount of money tho men want on top of what tliey get is £12,000 annually. The gross amounts paid in wages since 1913-1914 represented an increase of 32 per cent, for tho war period. If tho £12,000 tho men wero now demanding were added to tho total paid in tramway wages (or the last financial year the bill for t-tic city would bo £109,540. This amount could not be paid without making a serious call on tho public purse ttirougn. fares. NAZOL is known everywhere as tho ready-for-uso and money-saving remedy for coughs and colds. Sruy doses la 6d> *