MINERS ON STRIKE.

Otago Witness, Issue 3101, 20 August 1913, Page 38

MINERS ON STRIKE.

FRICTION AT BLACKBALL. GREY MOUTH, August 17. The trouble at the Blackball coal mine has developed so suddenly that in all probability there will be a stoppage of work to-morrow. The miners demand the abolition of the night-shift and to have only two shifts in th 6 24 hours instead of three. To comply with the demand of the miners in this respect would interfere with the system of working the mine that is the result of experience, and would entail increased expense, so the management objects to the proposed change. It is stated that if the miners at Blackball gain their point all the other coal mines in the dominion will make a similar demand, as the “dogwatch,” as the midnight shift is called, is by no means popular. The point in dispute Is regarded as important, for the reason that it opens the door to the principle of the miners claiming their right to have a hand in arranging hovy the mine shall be worked—whether in the interests of the company or solely according to the desire of the coal hewers. , It is understood that another conference between the parties concerned will take place to-night, but the position is by no means reassuring. August 18. A strike occurred at the Blackball n ine to-day, 350 to 400 men being out in consequence of the refusal of tho management to discontinue tho dog watch, known as the night shift (10 p.m. to 6 a.m.). .Both sides are reticent as regards details, but it is understood that the Miners’ Union refused as a body to work unless the dog watch shift was abolished, with the result that the management accepted the request as an ultimatum. All work is at a standstill to-day. The - Blackball Company’s steamer Ngahcre left loaded to-day for Wellington. The Ngatoro and Pctoncs movements are now uncertain. It was unofficially stated in town to-day that on the dog watch shift only 12 to 20 miners wore employed, tho groat bulk of tee employees being engaged on the two mtorvening shifts.

(From Oun Own- Correspondent.) GREYMOUTH. August 18. That the miners think the dispute will be

only a brief one is evident from the statement that the union has decided to keep the pumping operations in full swing for a few days pending a settlement. Information which has been placed at my disposal is by no means reassuring. In insisting this demand it >« that the mine owners on the West Coast, including the Government, are acting in unison, anti that there will be no backing down. 'Mere , is an idea that the other companies will i fulfil the Blackball contracts, thus defying the miners to precipitate a general strike .if they desire it. It s quite evident that the .owners, acting on the principle that an 1 injury to one is an injury to all, are going to present a determined front to the minors. { A knowledge of the conditions occasions grave anxiety. '