MANY PITS HE-OPENING.

Colonist, Volume LIV, Issue 13384, 6 April 1912, Page 5

MANY PITS HE-OPENING.

THE BALLOT RESULTS

INADEQUATE MAJORITY AGAINST

RESUMPTION

RIOTS IN FIFESHIRE

London, April 3

'Though only two-thirds of the miners Voted, an increasing number of pits are re-opening. Mr Ashton, secretary of the Miners' fl'Vderation, states that as a two-thirds majority produced tho strike, a twothird majority was necessary to continue it. Tho minors' ballot resulted in 1.58,836 votof! for resumption and 182,747 against. -There* were largo abstentions, including 36,130 minors at Durham. Mr Albert Stanley, speaking at a mass meeting at Camioek Chase, said titat it was now impossible to secure the necessary two-thirds majority in favour of continuing the strike. A resolution in favour of returning to work -was carried almost unanimously despite <ihe- previous contrary ballot. Another loading miners' official, interviewed, said that it was doubtful if tlu> two-thirds majority was necessary, I)ufc tho Federation must wipe up the iviess. The reason for the obstreporous- ■ ne-ss was the strike pay. Two thousand men and women attended to hinder non-unionists at tho Xilencraig pit, Fifeshire. Wild scones <;tisued, and the police, mostly mounted, made several charges, the- rioters replying with a. heavy volley of. stones. Orsler was restored. Strikers smashed numerous windows in houses at Pont-y-pool in connection with grievances against men working the coal outcrops. M:uiy were injured, tho condition of one of these being critical.