BLACKBALL MINING TROUBLE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2137, 12 March 1908, Page 2

BLACKBALL MINING TROUBLE.

ARBITRATION COURT PROCEEDINGS.

CONFLICTING EVIDENCE,

Press Association. GREYMOUTHj March 11. The Arbitration Court held a sitting; to-day to enquire into the dispute of the Blackball strike. Mr. Hannan appeared for the Inspector of Awards and Mr. Guinness for the Miners’ Union. Mr. Leitcli, the manager, stated that owing to the men refusing to work in 10-liour shifts, he had to reduce their wages, and he sacked seven men. He did not dispense with their services for any other reason. Ho offered to reinstate them if they would work 10 hours, but they would not agree to a ballot for the men to bo dismissed. He was positive he did not use bad language in dismissing the men, and it was not the practice to give men notice. The men had not asked him for Zomens crib, but told him they were going to take it. Mr. Thompson, underviewer, who was with the manager when he dismissed the men, denied that bad language was used. The dismissed men swore that the manager used very bad language, telling them to “Go to out'of this.” The Court adjourned until to-mor-row morning, when it is expected that the evidence will be finished before the adjournment. The Court hopes to be able to give a decision to-mor-row.

Throughout to-day the Court was crowded, nearly all the miners from Blackball being present.