THE BLACKBALL TROUBLE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2148, 25 March 1908, Page 2

THE BLACKBALL TROUBLE.

EXTRAORDINARY RESOLUTION.

NT E RESTING D E VELO PA r F ntt «i EXPECTED iLINTS

Press Association GREY-MOUTH, -March 24 A meeting ol the Blackball Mb ncuts’ Union was held yesterdav H Blackball, when an extraordinary solution was carried not to pay the £75 fine imposed by the Arbitration Court and to completely ignore tho wholo matter. It was further decided not to go to work until half an hour crib time was allowed. The action of tho miners was severely commented on in town, and regret that they aro so ill-advised. The meeting was determined not to give way, and to fight tho position to an end. Very severo remarks were made on the Arbitration Court ,and as a protest, which will he felt, tho miners decided to set it at defiance. Tho time fixed by the Government for payment of the fine was up yesterday, and it will lie interesting to see what action Lite Government will take. ft is also stated that Hickey has not paid tho fino imposed on himsome weeks ago by the Magistrate in connection with disobedience at the Blackball mine. Tho Brunner AVorkors’ Union has donated £2l out of the funds, and gives £3O a week until the trouble i.s settled. 'Nome of the married men are getting work at the Paparoa and Ngahere railway works. Tlie Brunner Union passed the following resolution: “That the Hon. J. A. Alillar, Minister of Labor, be informed that this union lias no confidence in the constitution of the Arbitration Court, and strongly urges him to pass legislation to amend the same.” Tho action of the miners in refusing to pay tho lino removes all hopes of an early settlement. Business people in town state they can feel the effects of the strike at Blackball, and they are not willing to send goods on credit. The Blackball storekeepers have already stopped credit. Tho miners have received the first strike pay, £1 -being distributed to each man. WESTPORT, Alarch 24. The Westport Labor Union has not yet taken definite action respecting assistance to the Blackball miners. At a special meeting of the Granity Aliners’ ’Union, the question of appointing an organising secretary for the Coast was discussed. It was resolved to have one appointed. On the question of assistance to tho Blackball miners, no immediate action was taken, although the question of assistance to wives and families was recognised. Tho principle of conciliation and arbitration was upheld. AYELLINGTON, Alarch 24. The AVelliugton Trades and Labor Council discussed the Blackball trouble last night. A resolution was passed that the demand for half an hour’s crib time is just and reasonable. It was also resolved that the Council recognises that according to tlie decision of Air Justice Sim the employers have a right under the law to discriminate against- unionists, and that until the law is amended so as to render adequate protection to workers, unionists cannot do otherwise than protect themselves. A sum of £4 was collected in the room, and it- was decided to circularise the unions for monetary assistance.