Miners’ Union.

Huntly Press and District Gazette, Volume 3, Issue 6, 10 July 1914, Page 2

Miners’ Union.

A special general meeting of the Taupiri Coal-Miners’ Union of Workers was held in the King’s Hall on Wednesday night, Mr Stuart Dixon presiding over a fair attendance. The chairman explained that in response to the request made by the Union the directors of Taupiri Co. agreed to meet the deputation that the executive had decided to send in order that an endeavour might be made to iiave cancelled the notices given to the three men who had been notified that after the end of the present week their services would be dispensed with. As time was short, he (the president) together with Mr A. A. Stewart, vice-president of the union, and Mr J. Harrison, a member of the executive, proceeded to Auckland and' pleaded with the directors for the reinstatement of the men. As they appeared obdurate Mr Dixon stated that at present things were going smoothly at the mines, but, should the men be dismissed, he had reason to think that trouble might follow. After the directors had conferred in private the deputation was informed that their request would be favourably considered, and a reply forwarded by post. After their return a letter was received from the Company’s secretary, part of which read as follows : “ The directors will decline on all occasions to furnish reasons for the dismissal of an employee or official of the Company ; but, having heard the union’s representations through letter and deputation by way of appeal to the directors on behalf of the three men who were r.otific-d that their services were to he dispensed with, and in view of the go d feeling existing between the union and the company", after conference with and the concurrence of the manager, the directors have decided to accede to the union’s request to “ overlook things,” as stated in the union’s letter, and to reinstate the men. Such decision, it is to be clearly" understood, must not be regarded as, or in any" way establishing, a precedent for the future discharge and dismissal of members of the union.” Thus a satisfactory conclusion had been arrived r, aid the episode was at an end. The members of th u i 1 should remem cr, cor. tin..ad Mr Dixon, that e had no intention of t reatming, or trying t> br w beat the directors by talk of a strike, and that unless reason could be brought to bear on any matter at issue, he would prefer others to take his place on any deputation to the mine authorities. He invited questions and free discussion. The decision of the directors appeared to he considered so satisfactory that the invitation was almost entirely" disregarded, the conclusion of the letter being greeted with hearty applause. It was intimated that the management would deal summarily with any" miner found using gelignite in the pit, and the chairman advised th. men to observe the rule, adding that the union could not very well take up the case of any" one dismissed for a breach of the rule to which their attention had been frequently directed. In answer to a question the chairman stated th it the mattei of shortening hands in summei had been considered by his executive the members of which were of opinion that the services of single men should be dispensed with in order that those who had homes in the town and were married might not be inconvenienced by loss of employment during the summer months. If it became necessary to shorten hands the doors of the union would be closed againsl all candidates for admission tc its ranks.