COAL MINERS' STRIKE

Hokitika Guardian, 18 April 1917, Page 3

COAL MINERS' STRIKE

A Grave Positiou Ministers at Blackball Sir Jacues A 1 lan and the Hon W. DS. MacDonald were in conferejce with the Blackball men last night and did not reaoh Greyraouth until nearly midnight. Addresses to the Men Ministers Thanked [PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.—COPYRIGHT.] Westport Apt il 17 Hon Sir James Alien and Hjr W, D. a. MacDonald made a lonr of tha Buller coal mining townships ytsf-tf rday and delivered an address in three centres—Miilerfoo 11 e.m., Ngakawaa 3 pm. ar.d Dtnu's on 7.30 p.m. Mr Dotvgray prrs ded at Mdlerton and Denniaton and Mr Moß.ide at Ngak..wau. The Minis'res delivered addreseis before large gatherings of miners- In the course of their remarks they emphasised the need for the best services from the raeu in order that the war might be speedily brought to an end. An effort waa being made to close a dire chapter in the world’s history in three months. If the miners continued on strike they would make the task more difficult, as the coil was easential for the industries of the country, for local and overseas transport services, and for the navy, Both speakers made it clear that . the Military Service Act was es sential to raise the troops required to keep np to New Zs'hnd'i promised quota. Compulsory militaty service would however, etui within a x months of ihe clo-e of the war. Th«re wn6 no intention to cortinaa ic there* after At Millet ton and Ngakawau the Ministers wee giyea a parlicularly g’oi and patient htaring. At Dtnn : stoi there were some interruptions bat nothing of a seriously disturbing character. At the conclusion of the addresses the Ministers wots accorded a hearty vote of thanks for their visit and addresses. It is understood that a seeiet ballot on the question of returning to work will ha takon by several onions on Thursday. The Ministers left for Greymouth at 8 a.m, tc-iay, where they will visit the coal mines in that district. WAIPA men goback. Secret Ballot In Progress. Auckland, Apiil 17 The Waipa miners retained towoik to-day. They will take a Becret ballot to-night or tc-morrow on a point in respect of which thero is the utmost secrecy. \ FEDERATiSiTsEUfiEIARY’S TELEGRAM. Advises Suspending Conscription. Christchurch April 17 The following telegrom was sent to-day to Sir James Allen by Mr Hiram Hunter, national secretary of the United Federation Labor:— “The United Federation o fLibotsr is of opinion that the miners who are striking against- the Conscription Act, are expressing the attitude of organised labor throughout Australasia towards oonsoription and if the Government is desirous of obtaining industrial peace it should immediately suspend operations of the Military Service Act and secure recruits voluntarily by taxing wealth, and thus providd the money to pay adequate renumeration 1 to soldiers, with increased pensions and allowances to them and their dependents by right.