CAPTURE OF A UNION OFFICE.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1959, 16 January 1914, Page 8

CAPTURE OF A UNION OFFICE.

ENTRY AND AFFRAY;

Lively scene at huntly, (By Teletr&jh.—Proso Asuoolatlon.l Auckland! January 15. Mr. Dixon, president of tho new Huntly Arbitration Union, accompanied by about 15 Arbitrationists, entered the Coal Miners' Union office at Htmtly today and formally took possession of it. Wood, president of the ok? union, nnd a few ex-strikers were in tho office at the time, and collision between tho two forces occurred. A number of the ex-strikers, who were outnumbered, escaped through the window, another man fell out on to the street, and another was either pushed or knocked down. Tho prompt arrival of tho police stopped the fracas and, although a large and excited crowd quickly gathered, there was no further trouble. Mr. .Wood refused to leave till given possession of his union books and papers when ho quietly departed. The office was built by the old Arbitration Union in 1912, and passed into the possession of tho late union when'tho latter, consisting largely of'the Federation element, overwhelmed and took possession of the Arbitration Union. It has now come again under tho control of the Arbitratioriistsi • The examination of candidates for membership of the new union has now been completed. Two hundred were accepted, 71 rejected, and 17. held' over. Many of j the rejected men are leaving tho town, and- considerable bitterness is being evidenced by .thosd renVainins. One mine is now almost fully staffed; and tho other is expected to .comme'neo operation's about Monday next.