THE BLACKBALL STRIKE

Star (Christchurch), Issue 9192, 23 March 1908, Page 1

THE BLACKBALL STRIKE

A MEETING OF MINERS. ATTITUDE OF THE MEN. . [Fbom Our CoRREsroNDiNT.] GREYMOUTH, March 22 An impdrtant meeting of the Blackball Miners' Union will be held to-mor-row, and it is quite possible that -ome developments of special interest will take place. The principal matter for discussion will be, the payment of the fine of £75 and the company's offer to donate half of this amount if the dispute is ended. The time allowed by the Government for the payment of the fine will, it is understood, expire during the current week, so that the Union will have to come to a definite decision on the matter to-morrow. There is good authority for stating that in the event ot default of payment, or of making other satisfactory arrangements for liquidation of the liability, the Government will forthwith take action. As to the company's offer, it is unlikely thiat it will be accepted. The condition on which the amount can be obtained, viz., that the dispute is settled forthwith, means accepting the company's terms. The latest offers of financial assistance come from the Christchurch Political Labour League and the Millerton, ijua_i.y, Point Elizabeth and Brunner Unions. The ; latter two will make weekly contributions while the strike continues, the State miners giving £20 and the Brunner men 5 per cent of their wages. In regard to the taking of a secret ballot among the miners as to whether the strike should be terminated or not. it is learnt that the step was suggested at a Union meeting, but not forced. The rules provide that a ballot must be taken if it is demanded by a certain number of men. The opponents to this proposal arj;ue that all the business so far hae been conducted by open voting, and that this method should not now be altered. At the State mine meeting on Friday night, a heated discussion 'took place regarding the Arbitration Act. Mr Fitzgerald argued in favour of its abolition. He said that it had outlived its day of- usefulness to the workers, who should now slide away from it. These remarks were endorsed- by other speakers, who held that laws that were made for the workers' benefit were being turned round to the interest of the capitalist. Immediately after the meeting: Mr Fitzgerald returned to Blackball, which township he does uot, apparently, wish to leave for any /lengthened- period. It is considered unlikely that the company will close the mine down and proceed with the erection of new bins, in readiness for the opening of the railway line. If the company should resolve on such action, the Government would be powerless to interfere or enforce the i provisions of the Act compelling the lessee to keep the mine going as 'the Blackball colliery is situated on freehold.