THE BLACKBALL STRIKE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume L, Issue 12145, 13 March 1908, Page 5

THE BLACKBALL STRIKE

(Per Press Association.)

GREYMOUTH, March 12. The hearing of the Blackball case has commenced, the Labour Department and the Union' both applying for an enforcement of the award, the former on account of an alleged strike, and the latter on the following grounds:— (1) That the company committed .i breach by wrongfully dismissing seven men without notice, (2) that the company dismissed seven men merely on account of their being members of the Union, (3) that the company created a lock-out in wrongfully dismissing sev mi men.

Mr Hanan appeared for the Inspector of Awards and Mr. Guinness for the Miners' Union.

Mr. Leitch, manager, stated that owing to the men refusing to work 10----hour shifts he had to reduce the wages, and "sacked" seven men. He did not dispense with their services for any other reason. He offered to reinstate the men if they would work ten bours^ ,bnt would not agree to ballot for mm to be dismissed. He was positive that he did not use bad language in dismissing the men. It was not the practice to give the men notice. The men had not asked him, for a 30-minutes! crib, but told him they were o-oino- to take it. &

Mr. Thompson, an interviewer, who was with the manager when he dismissed the men, denied, that bad language was used.

The dismissed men swore that the manager had used very bad language, telling them " to go to — out ,of this " Ihe Court adjourned till 10 o'clock next morning, when it is expected evidence "'ill be finished before the adjournment.

The Court hopes to be able to give its decision to-morrow.

Throughout the day the Court was crowded, nearly all the minors from .Blackball being present. GREYMOUTH, March 12. The Arbitration Court resumed its sitting re the Blackball strike this morning. Ten miners were examined, and evidence was on similar lines to that already given. One witness stated that he was working' with one of the men who was dismissed, and swore that the ""manager did not use any bad. language. Counsel for the miners, in addressing the Bench, held that the miners did not strike, and it was lawful for them to knock off work without a moment's notice, as the company had "sacked"' thei men without notice. He contended that the manager had acted 'n a brutal way towards the men. Counsel for the Grown stated the men had committed a breach for disobedience. They wanted and demanded everything, and did not consider anybody. The manager had an absolute right to dismiss what men he wanted to

The Bench announced that the decision would; be given at 10..30 lest morning. '