COAL MINERS' UNREST.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VII, Issue 521, 27 November 1912, Page 5

COAL MINERS' UNREST.

mine manager assaulted. NORTHERN MINERS DISSATISFIED. A serious disturbance occurred at Kiripaka, near Whangarei, on Saturday night, in which the workers, locked out men and their wives, were mixed up. Mr J. Hicks (Northern Coal Go.'s deputy-manager), was ridne home from Whangarei about ten p m When about one mile from Kiripaka Hall he was bailed up by three women (wives of locked-out men) and a man saying, "Is that you, Hicks' We want you," at the same time using strong expressions, and aiming blows at him with sticks. Mr Hicks evaded tbs blows, but his horse W3 Mr Bicks was followed by the ' 'women and the man to the hall, where - a small dance was in progress, and here a determined attack was made, as the result of which Mr Hicks was bruised on one arm, back and leg. A worker, some natives, and also bushmen came to Mr Hicks' ass,stance and.thrust him inside the hall. A free fight took place outside, and lasted about half an hour, both sides i-ocpivin2 reinforcements. The trouble is due to the engaging of two outside men to assist in contract work at the old mine, and this has excited the displeasure of the men who were dismissed for taking part in the demonstration organised some time ago bJ Federate of Labour.