LABOUR

Timaru Herald, Volume XIIC, Issue 13597, 18 May 1908, Page 6

LABOUR

THE SADDLE HILL STIUKE. Per Press Association. DUN ED IX. May 16. At a meeting of miners on strike at Christie Bros', mine, Saddle Hill, it. was resolved that the men employed in No. 2 mine do not go to work until the check inspectors have made tbeir inspection, ami that the men be paid for all time lost. This was refused by Christies, who submitted the following terms of settlement: That if it be shown that the mine is unsafe, and proved that Christie Bros, wire wrong in refusing the check inspectors permission to iifcpeci the mine.", Christie Tiros, will pay all expenses and the wages of men who !ost their work. This proposal the men have been urged to accept by the inspectors of minesi and labour and they will probably agree to it at a meeting to I e held to-night. Christie Bros, to-di»y lodged with the Labour Department £ll 6s 3d to pay the expenses incurred, and the wages of the miner* for yesterday, Mibjeut tr. th»- terms of settlement. It is understood that the Mines Department will tako legal proceedings againsc Christies for refusing tiio check inspection. The check inspection takes place this afu-rnoon. and probably work will be resumed on Mondav.

REPORT OX INSPECTION. DUXEDIX, May 17. -A special meeting of the Green Island branch of the Otago Coal Miners' Union was held on Saturday night to discuss the 'liopnto with Christie Bros* Messrs Forbes and Love, Check Ins|>ectors, submitted a partial report on their inspection of Christie Bros. Xo. 2 mine on Saturday afternoon and stated that they were obliged to posponc the reminder of the inspection owing to daylight failing and the condition of the mine. Mr Forbes m.vle a statement concerning 'he lack of escape outlets and the necessary itrrit-- ot'l \vi>i'kisit:-. H«* M'ttered that the (Jovernnivnt inspector's report on the mine was unsatisfactory. The check inspectors had arranged to meet Mr Chris-tie and complete the inspection at 1 p.m. to-dar, but a protest; was mads

aaainst. the inspectors being ordered oui, to work on Sunday and tlio meeting decided that the inspectors meet. Mr Christ 10 out of courtesy Hut that the inspection bo postnoned till Monday. _ During the proceedings a win- was rea<l from Mr Rogers, Blackball-" Wire financial position and if in need of assistance. This was received with tumultuous applause.