LABOUR.

Timaru Herald, Volume XIIC, Issue 13808, 20 January 1909, Page 5

LABOUR.

THE HUNTLY COAL MINERS

Per Press Association,

HUNTLY, Jan. 19. The Ilnntly coal miners decided today after a conference with the. directors of the Taupiri Coal Company, to remain out. The position is therefore more serious than ever. The company agreed to reinstate three men now under suspension and also to disrate one only of the four whom the union wish reduced in status. It was plainly stated to the union that the company would make no further concessions. The men at a mass, meeting refused the company's offer,, reiterating the demand that the four alleged "blacklegs" should be disrated and not again employed by the company in an official capacity:* The president of the Union (Mr J. Fulton) stated that unless a settlement is arrived at by next Saturday the union may withdraw the en-gine-drivers now keeping the pumps going. Should tlie mine be flooded it would take three or four months to unwater it again. The men out number .175. No strike pay has been arranged •for. The union anticipates financial' help if necessary from all other unions an the Dominion. The men are orderly and frefiuent entertainments are held to distract, their attention. A prolonged struggle will affect the dairying and gold-mining industries and flaxinills who draw sujiplies from the Taupiri Company.