THE HUNTLY HOLD-UP.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1888, 24 October 1913, Page 5

THE HUNTLY HOLD-UP.

PRESENT POSITION. AIR OF "UNCANNY QUIETNESS." (By Telcsrnsli—Pre®' Association.) Auokland, October 23. Tho position at Huntly shows no ichangt) to-day, everything being. extremely quiet, Tho men who hav© already left Huntly—about a dozen or so—have obtained tho permission of tho Strike Committee. Tlioy are taking the opportunity to have a brief holiday in Auckland or elsewhere. The Union Committee has a periodical roll-call, and is in touch with the movements of every member of tho union. In connection with an offer made at a recent mass meeting that those who wished to have a ballot taken should hand their names in to the Strike Committee. It is stated that up to midday nine names had been handed in. This is taken by the union to indicate that the men are quite satisfied with ■ tho action that has been taken. The outstanding characteristic of tho striko is the almost uncanny quiet that has settled down upon the twonsmp. The men wear a mask of indifference, which does not at all seem to bo assumed. Thev have apparently settled down to wait,' and there is no feverish rush to organise amusements to while away the time. Mr. Semple's Address. The miners' deputies, shift hands, and officials remain loyal. The chief event yesterday was bringing up the horses from tho mines. Mr. E. bemple arrived at midday, and addressed a largelv-attended meeting. Ho explained that what ho had to say ho spoked as an individual, not as a J. operation official; but ho was sure the Federation would take up thqir cause. He advised them to fix matters up with the company, peacefully if possible. The Dismissals. The union officials, in a statement, say that it is ridiculous .for pany to state it had discharged the men because it was lessening the number of its employees, as more men were employed at coal oh ,th© last day the miners worked' than at any time previously ; while sixteen "unionists received notice fourteen new miners were put on, together with twelve truckrs tc work the coal, making twenty-six new men in the mines. Tho unionists alsc . complain that a number of the dis- : charged men have invested their life savings in sections of land bought from the company, have built homos, and are now compelled to sacrifice these at the bidding of a few men. Over £30QC will be paid cut by the company tomorrow for wasres duo.