MINERS' RESOLUTIONS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2861, 13 January 1909, Page 31

MINERS' RESOLUTIONS.

THE EMPLOYERS' POSITION. (Fhom Our Own Correspondent ) GREYMOUTH. January 11. The position which has arisen at Reefton is one which causes, utmost concern to all interested. The miners have agreed to remain tiue to the following resolutions which were earned unanimously at a meeting on Satuiday night : — [l) "Thpt in view of the action of the Government this meeting of the Inangahua Miners' Industrial Union hereby empoweis the executive of the New Zealand Federation of Miners to arrange a settlement of the existing difficulty on the terms outlined in the Prime Minister's telegram ; (2) that inasmuch as the proposal of the Government does not embody the medical test, this meeting declares that as far as the miners are concerned the .existing dt.fiiculty is at an end ; (3) that this meeting coidially appreciates the action of the Prime Minister in proposing a piactical solution of the difficulty that has arisen, and with reference to his statement that the Government relies on the honour of the miners that none but bona fide claims =hall be mad-e under :-ection 10, desires to as«ure him tint thj confidence of the Government will not be mibplaod."' 'The local branch of the Employers'

Federation put their position briefly thus : •' Until the Cabinet gives a definite assurance of the nature of the proposed legislation which must protect us from the enormous liability, which we contend is now thrown upon us by. clause 10, we decline to sanction the resumption of operations." Thus the deadlock continues, and there can be no denying that the Labour party is becoming very restive under the enforced delay caused by the inaction of the Government m regard to the employers xequest. Up to closing time at R-eefton to-night-no reply had been received. j