THE MINING TROUBLE.

Evening Star, Issue 14932, 19 July 1912, Page 9

THE MINING TROUBLE.

NO NEARER SETTLEMENT. •'[SrECIAI. TO THE STAB.] WELLINGTON, July 19. The R&e.fton and Waihi mining disputes are no nearer settlement as a result of recent attempts at mediation. The latesteffort to mediate in the Rcefton trouble camo from the member for tho district (Mr T. E. Y. Seddon), who communicated with Mr Fagau (secretary of the Miners' Union at P.eefton), stating" that Mr W. A. Veitch (Labor M.P. for Wanganui) would be glad to do anything which would bring the parties together. The Teply to Mr Seddon was in similar terms to that sent by Mr Fagan to Sir Arthur Guinness in connection with the Prime Minister's attempt to secure the appointment of arbitrators, this being that nothing will suffice but legislation prohibiting the use of machine drills bv one man. ""la there a likelihood of legislation of this kind being introduced by the Government?" I asked the Prime Minister (the Hon. W. F. Massey). He replied : "As far as I can judge there will be an amendment of the Arbitration Act, but. the question of popper drills and the number of men to work them has never, been considered." In regard to the Waihi trouble, the Waihi Chamber of Commerce are anxious jto secure Mr Massey \- intervention, and he was asked if anything had yet been done. His answer was that the Employers' Association's representative is temporarily absent from Wellington, so that he has not had an opportunity of seeing him. GENERAL LABORERS' SYMPATHY. [Per United Press Association.] ! GISBORNE. July 18. •' The General Laborers' Union to-night decided to voto £lO to the Waihi and Reef ton strike funds. The following resolution was carried with enthusiasm: "That this union are with the miners heart and soul in the struggle against oppression, and express the hope that their fight will be brought to a successful and speedy issue."