EXPLOSIVE USED

Hokitika Guardian, 21 September 1932, Page 2

EXPLOSIVE USED

DAMAGE TO A BRIDGE., INCIDENT AT OHAI. INVERCARGILL, September 19. Though the miners’ strike at Oiiai is now in its fifth week there had been no developments on either side until to-da.v, when the Linton Company commenced taking about 1-50 tons of coal out of the mine for the pupose oi sa ety. No objection was raised by tbc Miners’ Union to this work being carried out, blit at an early hour this morning a small bridge over the Mur ley stream, between the Linton Company’s mine and the ’elevator was damaged by an explosion, and rendered unsafe fur traffic. No information is available as to the acthill perpetrators of the incident, which” it is believed was intended to frustrate the efforts of the company to convey coal from the mine to the railway trucks. The explosion did not damage the bridge extensively. Repairs were immediately put in hand, and the first rake of trucks was brought to the top of the hill and tipped at 2.15 p.m. The work was carried out by officials of the company, and while in progress police officials were in evidence. Up to the present no action whatever has been taken by the miners.

Sinco the stoppage oil August 19th the union has net even hsld a meeting of its members, though executive meetings have taken place each fortnight. It is understood that the coal being lifted by the Linton Company was obtained front a recent fall, and tv as loaded by permanent employees. About 500 miners, deputies, and engineers are affected by the stoppage. All other miners in the district are idle, but the fact that the Linton Company 1@ now taking out coal may tend to bring the matter to a head.

ft is emphasised, however, that this action is being taken purely for safety purposes, and to have trucks available in the event of any emergency arising in the mine.