HIKURANGI MINERS.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1454, 31 May 1912, Page 4

HIKURANGI MINERS.

CAUSE OF THE STRIKE. (By Telegraph.—l'rcss Association.) Auckland, May 30. The strike of millers employed in tiio Northern Coal Company's Hikurangi mina oamo as a complete surprise to the 00111. jKiiiy. They were unaware that the men luul any grievances until the latter ceased \Vhcn seen by a "Herald" representative, Mr. llolgato, inanajTiiif; director of the company, said the first intimation of trouble received from the mine was a telegram that came to hand the previous day announcing Ilia strike. As to the raiiso of the men's actio:-) ho knew nothing definitely, but believed it was al. lcßfii that a weighbridge 11 ted for weighing the coal broken was .'Jib. out in adjustincut. A statement had also reached him thai until n. mechanic, was sent from Auckland to remedy the reported defect, the men would not resume work, Immediately on receipt of the news of I lie strike, Jli. llotealo telegraphed to the secretary of die Fedeiation of Labour in Wellington asking if lie knew what was the cause of the (rouble, Mr. Glover wired a negative reply.

"We are working under an apwmenfc with the Federation," said Mr. Holgato. "notwithstanding which the men havo struck and apparently _ without consulting the Federation. We have now referred the mailer to Iho Mineowners' As-enintinn, uf which we are members,"

In nil tirnbabilitj the. trouble will bo con-iil'.recl by III" 7"od"i,iti>in of Labour cm resuiuption 0!' ii? conference ill Wellington. It ]- likely In come up when the W:\ii\i mid (-oil disputes liave been deall with. There is thoughl In be soma oilier point involved, apart from tlio question of the ivoiKhbridie.