THE IDLE WAIHI MEN.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1523, 20 August 1912, Page 8

THE IDLE WAIHI MEN.

MEETING & MOTION. SUGGESTION FOR SETTLEMENT. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) Waihi, August 18. At a meeting of strikers, a member (Mr. Rudd) moved a notice of motion to the effect—"That, in the opinion of this union, tho timo has arrived when a ballot should be taken as to whether or not the Federation should endeavour, through tho Mine-owners' Association, to draw up an agreement, with a view of settling tho dispute; such agreement, if satisfactory to tho men, to be ratified by tho Arbitration Court." The motion was seconded. Tho mover's contention was that if tho Federation did try to get nn agreement, a clause could be inserted to th'- , effect that tho engine-drivers should join the Miners' Union. It would also decide the feeling of tho men, seeing that they had bejin called out without a secret ballot. The chairman (Mr. Parry) ruled the motion out of order. Eβ said that if the Arbitration Court had anything to do with the drawing up of an agreement it would also have, the settling of any breach that might occur. Tho chairman added that in regard to Rule 90 tho union could work on tho rules rescinded by the union, notwithstanding tho fact that tho Registrar had not approved them. The Registrar was almighty and powerful, but his (the chairman's) was a democratic ruling. Exception was ,taken to the ruling, but on being" put to the meeting it was endorsed. Referring to the recent visit by the Conciliation Commissioner, the chairman contended that tho Government waa only inciting the strikers to violence- by soniling the Commissioner to 'Waihi, and by interfering with "Comrade" King. Notico of motion was given to tho effect that no moro persons bo allowed to join the union till the termination of the strike. Mr. Parry stated that' the company was taking steps in Auckland to obtain 2000 men to start work in the mines. If the company- engaged independent workers the Federation would call on tho railways not to carry them.