Shag Point Dispute.

Otago Witness, Issue 1892, 15 May 1890, Page 13

Shag Point Dispute.

TO THE KDITOH.

Sib,— We find by Mr Williams' version ia today's Times that he has made a lot of miestaternents. In the first place, he states that after Blackia had been employed a day or two he asked if his son could work with him ; but as all men here can .prove, bis son was working here three weeks before Blackie came here. He next statea that he gave Blackie another mate, but omits to state that on several occasions he threatened to discharge his mate, and made it so unpleasant for him that he was obliged to leave. He also states that Blackie was put to work by himself. Now Blackie only worked three days by himself all the time he has been working at Shag Point, and on the day in question he had a mate, so the coal really belonged to two of them ; but still there was never a word said to the other man, which will clearly prove that it is a question of union or no union. The deputation that was appointed to wait upon Mr Williamß was very courteously received by him until he knew their mission, when he was informed that they represented the Shag Valley Branch of the Amalgamated Miners' and Labourers' Association. He replied, I am the union here, and will not allow any man in the mine that belongs to the union, or allow the union to interfere with the working of the mine in anyway. Is it interfering with the working of the mine when a man has sent up coal and been stopped off by Mr Williams to ask what it has been stopped off for? Is that interfering with the working of the mine? The miners say no. Now, if the management instruct tbe men to break up this coarse coal or stone and fill it in the skips, they are themselves to blame in trying to deceive the public, as was proved to the owners ou Monday that some of the men had been instructed to do so up to the last day they worked ; so if the trade has been injured he has done it himself. He next accuses us of withdrawing the engine men. We emphatically deny it. The engine men have never been five minutes from their work, as we all know perfectly well that should the engines stop 48 hours the property would be destroyed, as the fire would be blazing in the shaft. We may also state that Blackie has not been cautioned any more than the rest of the men. But as to his denying that he knew that Blackie was president, how did ho know to call aside the secretary, president, and treasurer three days after they were appointed as officers, and inform them that he had received instructions from the owners that he was to discharge any man joining the union, as he was prepared to deal with us as the Kaifcangata men were dealt with. — We are, &c, Hbnhy Kidd, •) Hugh 8011, ( „ H. Dorm, Andbew Wilson,.) B. W. Brooke, Secretary. John Hodson, Treasurer. May 9.