NO CHANGES IN AFFAIRS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2141, 17 March 1908, Page 2

NO CHANGES IN AFFAIRS.

AGITATORS TO BLAME. Press Association. GREYMOUTH, March 10. There is no change in tho position of affairs at Blackball. This morning tho Miners’ Union held a meeting, and decided to stand firm, but the (State coal miners are determined not to take part in the trouble, and express themselves as very much against the attitude of the Blackball men. At Tyneside the question is not considered, tho men blaming agitators for the trouble. It is understood that tho member for tho district will visit Blackball today, to talk tlio matter over with tho miners in view of a settlement. The mine manager forwards the following telegrams to the Argus for publication, stating that they havo been -held back, as it was thought tho men would return to work to-day, but since they have not he is compelled to give publicity:—“Blackball Goal Co., Christchurch* It is imperative that you find Mr. McCullough, of Arbitration Court, and ask him if he informed the miners that the manager would make a public statement in Court after the verdict had been read. Ask his reason for giving information. The manager gave his word of -honor, but no public statement was promised or mentioned at the conference on Thursday afternoon. Jas. Loitcli, Blackball.” _ The following reply was received: —“Mr. McCullough denies having informed the miners that you would make a statement in Court. He has wired the Union stating that his recollections of the conference is that you, having already made a promise in such a public manner, a statement by you in Court- was agreed to he waived. —McKellar.”