THE TRIBUTE SYSTEM

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 141, 17 June 1931, Page 7

THE TRIBUTE SYSTEM

OPPOSITION BY MINERS “CRUCIFIXION OF UNION” DEMONSTRATION AT BLAOKBALI [ Per Press Association. ) GREYAIOUTH, June 16. Between 700 and 800 Grey district miners to-day held a demonstration at Blackball against the introduction ot the tribute system at the Coast collier ics, including Blackball, where the company, after live months’ dispute with the Union, has leased an area to a party of eleven miners who formed a company with a capital of £4OO from all Grey district unions. Parties of miners travelled to the demonstration, which was orderly. Previously numerous police were drafted to Blackball, 35, under Inspector Fitz patrick, being present to-day, their only intervention being to prevent the pro cession proceeding in the direction ol the residence of the leader of the party which has obtained the area from the company. Demonstrations visited the vicinity of the party’s operations, where they sang “The Red Flag,’’ then returning to the township, hooting as they passed the houses of members of the party. Proceedings then opened at 9 a.m. at the Alincrs’ Hall, speeches being made by John Snicaton, president of the United Aline Workers, Angus AlcLag lan, secretary, J. K. Connell, State Miners’ president, A. AlcAlvacy, score tary and W. Barker, Grey Valley Miners’ president, W. PurJy, secretary, and R. Clarke, Blackball Miners’ score A procession began at 11.30, headed by a pipers’ band, circled the town, finally reaching the foot of the hill where the party are engaged and where a force of police were stationed. Aftc» singing “The Red Flag,” they return ed to the Miners’ Hall, where luncheon was served to all visitors, followed by a concert. Then a mass meeting passed resolu lions: (1) That members of the Union accept no work under the Blackball Coal Company until the matter has been discussed and sanctioned by tho Union; (2) That the unions of the Grey dis trict pledge themselves to fight the tri bute system to the last ditch. The demonstration then peacefully concluded, the visiting miners departing homewards in buses. In the course of the speeches, Air Snicaton said that the Blackball miners for months had been fighting tho coal and shipping company proprietors, who were losing revenue. New a party had broken away who, he felt sure, were not after coal, but whose breakaway was calculated to secure a win for the bosses. He was sure, however, that the miners would remain solid in their stand fur their principles. 'The tribute system meant tho crucifixion of the Aliners’ Union. He would do all he could to bring the dispute to a successful termination. Mr Connell said the bosses were today advocating the tribute system all over the Dominion, but such miners as resorted thereto would find their earnings soon decrease. Already the cooperative men had realised the need of unionism, but could not throw up their leases. Air AlcAlvacy congratulated the Blackball Union on its solidarity. Air Barber sai/ the leader of the Blackball party had formerly fought tue tribute system. Air Purdy said that the Grey Valley Union would never allow tue tribute into their mines, and would go anywhere to oppose it. Mr AlcLugan said that the Blackball dispute touK a new aspect alter cue •company laued to starve uut the miners. Almost every point hud been agreed on, but Wlicit tile union guv* way the new ueiuands were raised. jUc big shipping cumpumes were at the back 01 the employers, suwe employing coolie seamen instead of British lauour. At Roa, Charming Creek, tnc Cascade and Briandale the tribute parties had broken with the unions. Now this threatened at Blackball. Lt the system extended the minets lives would not be worth living, it would sacrifice hours, conditions and safety so as tu keep up an output, ihc min era must lignt this menace or perish as an organised body of workers. He agreed that toe present party at Biackball were not calculated to bring a ton of coal from the area they hau. The cost of development there would be £4O,UOU. The tribute system had been successfully stopped at Nightcaps and llikurangi. At the latter pia«co the tributors asked to produce coal six shillings per ton cheaper than befors. As there was no other means of fighting the system, the miners had to do it themselves. MINE OUPUTS “BLACK” CASCADE AND CHARMING CREEK [ Per Press Asst elation. ] WESTPORT, June 16. The president, secretary and treasurer of the Westport Watersiders ’ Union waited on the stationmaster in charge at Westport this afternoon and stated tha the union had decided not to handle coal from the Cascade and Charming Creek mines, which arc run on co-operative or, as the union allege, the tribute system. In reply to a question the deputation stated that they would not handle the Cascade or Charming Creek coal now in the railway yard, but would handle any other coals. The Katoa and Koinnta are due on Thursday to load coal from those two