RAN FOR HIS LIFE.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1721, 11 April 1913, Page 6

RAN FOR HIS LIFE.

— e 0^ HIS HOUSE FIRED. THE FUPONGA MINE TROUBLE. (By Telegraph.—PreM Association.! Nelson, April 10. The "Evening Mail's" correspondent today telegraphs that details of Tuesday's outrage show that numbers of drunken men attacked the house of the mine deputy and violently assaulted the man, ■ who had .practically to run for his life and take refuge in tho surrounding bush. Tho dwelling was then fired and burned to the ground, together with its furniture and personal elfects. The strikers as a body are much incensed at the outrage, and state that it was the work of irresponsible drunken men. , Much liquor is being taken to Puponga, and many men are under its influence. Police ■ reinforcements are arriving. It is possible tho affair may fizzle out without further serious disturbance. A. notice, under the hand of the directors,- has been posted on the mine to tho effect that the mino is closed indefinitely. Officials at tho pumps are keeping the mine clear of water. Mr. M'Bride, president, of the Puponga Miners' Union, denies that the men acted on their, own responsibility, and states that the union had telegraphed to fthe federation and was awaiting a reply. Mr. M'Bride alleges that it is a case of lockout. Tho trouble starteyd with, the dismissal of a trucker named Low. As a result of putting a horse 011 to do the work, Low and another trucker named Day were asked by the manager to draw lots for dismissal. They refused, and Low was discharged: The union asked for reconsideration of the case, and alleged that tho manager told them that if they did not agreo with the action they had better go home. The manager thereupon closed down the mine and posted a notice that wages were ready. M'Bride anticipates that the troublo will not ln/t long. Later. Everything is reported to be quiet today at Puponga, but, additional police have been drafted there, and, in consequence of Tuesday's sensational episode, will be retained for the present. It is reported that many of the strikers aro leaving the district. Tho mino has boen closed indefinitely. No arrests have been made in connection with the assault on Walker and the destruction of his house. The strikers disclaim all connection with the outrage, which 'they declare was the worlc of some irresponsible- and drunken men.