GOVERNMENT'S ACTION CONDEMNED.

Otago Witness, Issue 2861, 13 January 1909, Page 30

GOVERNMENT'S ACTION CONDEMNED.

GRFA'MOUTH, January 10. | | Sir Joseph Ward'e telegram intimating that the Government had agreed to indemnify the State Insurance Department against any loss which would result from the acceptance of risks under clause 10 of the Workmen's Compensation Act, was considered at a conference at Reefton of all parties concerned on Saturday moxn--1 ing. Th-e union is quite willing to accept the Prime Minister's terms, and intimated ite intention to act accordingly. Therepresentatives of the employers asked for c ' time to consider the matter, and this was agreed to, they being requested to reply that day if possible, as the special meeting of tlie- Inangahua Miners' Union r was to be held last night, whereat the c position would be considered. ' g The men are favourable to returning to t ] work on the conditions named, and the n ' executive intimates ite intention of en- } x deavouring to complete the settlement. ■ is I The mining companies have telegraphed a ■ to the Prime Minister asking what addi- t< I tional cost will be incurred in their in- d I eurances, and also requesting to be in- p , formed of the nature of the proposed 14 amendments to tne \&vr. ! v I The new Alpine Company, like all other t< I gol4 mines in the district, Jiaa c,ea&ed c: work since the day before Chr&tm.as, but d 'it is hoped it will reopen work in a few tl

days now that a settlement of the dead* lock as so nearly in vi^--w_