ARBITRATION COURT

Otago Witness, Issue 3015, 27 December 1911, Page 4

ARBITRATION COURT

COAL MINERS WITHDRAW

A general meeting of the Otago Miners Union was held on Saturday, 16th inst., at Kaitangata, Mr Sim presiding. The result of ballot for cancellation of registration under the Arbitration Act was announced by the scrutineer (Mr P. Russel), the voting from various parts of the district being:— For cancellation— Kaitangata 88, ureen island 63, Nightcaps 64, Waronui 19, Alexandra 11, Mataura .s:—total, 250. Against cancellation —Kaitangata 95, Green Island .7, Nightcaps 8, Waronui 4, Alexandra 1, Mataura 0; —total, 115. The figures thus show a majority of 135 in favour of seceding from registration. There are 4-53 members of union all told, and 412 eligible to vote, the remainder being unfinancial and debarred from voting when over three months in arrears. The executive is now bound by the ballot to take steps to withdraw from registration immediately all agreements at piesenit in force under the Arbitration Act expire, which will be in July, Some of the branches which are apathetic to the court are under, no award, and will not take steps to have one under the Arbitration Act, consequently they forced Kaitangata. to take steps to have a ballot to determine the question. Kaitangata, it will be seen, has a small majority in favour of remaining loyal to the court, and rumours are to be__heard (says the Kaitangata correspondenr of the Clutha Leader) that in due time a new union will be formed by those loyal to the court. Some interesting developments are to be expected shortly over the peculiar situation. The- nomination of officers aleo took place. No opposition was offered to the present officers being re-elected, but three new candidates " professing loyalty to Arbitration Court are standing in opposition to the present members of executive who are also nominated. The ballot will take place at the beginning of January.