THE COLLIERY TROUBLE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2070, 23 December 1907, Page 1

THE COLLIERY TROUBLE.

SOME STHONG OPINIONS. Special to Times. WEEPING TON, Dec. 22. At Thursday night’s meeting of the Trades Council tlio mover ot the resolution regarding tlio difficulty with the miners over tlio bank-to-bank clause in the Coal Mines Act spoke somewhat- strongly on the subject. He said that the miners in every country of the world had fought for the principle of an ‘‘eight .hour shift” and in most countries excepting England and New Zealand that principle had for a long time obtained. That it was not in operation in New Zealand was, the speaker contended, another refutation of the boasted progressiveness of the Dominion. In the crisis that had now arisen it was the duty of unionists to “go the'whole hog” even though they did risk the penalty of the Arbitration Act, and to help the Denniston Miners Union to obtain the bitration Act and to help the Den.principle in New Zealand. It was, he said, all-very well for Mr Mi llar to set aside the main issue and endeavor to “soli” the miners with overtime payment. No one knew better than Mr. Mil&er himself that what the miners wanted and what Parliament by amending clause 37 of the Coal Mines Act- intended, was an 8-hour day for all miners. There was a great principle at stake, liiame]y, whether the Dominion was to bo governed by Judge-made Haw or by the supremo will of the people, .aind the Council! should declare emphatically against the Illegal fraternity. Other delegates spoko warmly oil the matter. The men did not want overtime, they asserted, and the Trades Council conference had for years advocated the bauk-to-baiik principle.

COLLIERS DEFY THE ARBITRATION ACT.

Press Association. WESTPORT, Dec. 22. It is understood tha l the Denniston Miners’ Union, at a meeting yesterday, decided to adhere to their previous determination in defiance of the Arbitration Court’s riding. What action the management will take is not yet deckled, but it is understood that the mines will not be closed. .