THE BLACKBALL STRIKE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 390, 17 March 1908, Page 3

THE BLACKBALL STRIKE.

Another Deadlock.

Grevmouth, March 13

The strike at Blackball has assumed another phase. There is a deadlock, the men refusing to return to work.

The terms of settlement submitted to the general meeting on Thursday evening were adopted by 48 votes to 30. This afternoon a meeting was held, when it was pointed out that the manager had promised to make a statement before the Court thac he would dismiss the seven men. This was done.

A motion was then carried that the Union strictly adhere to the motion for half-hour crib-time, and the manager be requested to give a written guarantee that he will not victimise the seven or auy other men. It was decided by 62 votes to 12 not to go back to work until the terms were agreed to. A\Jeputation then visited the manager and told him of their decision. He refused to give way, and the men further considered the matter and decided to remain firm. The manager blew the mine whistle to-night, notifying that work would start at eight o’clock in the morning.

The manager states if the men do uot turn up he will withdraw all promises made on Thursday, and will let the Court decide further. Greymouth, March 14. No work is being done at Blackball mine to-day. The Blackball Union decided to send delegates to canvass for funds in all parts of the Dominion. There is a complete deadlock at Blackball over the strike. Everything was in readiness for work on Saturday, and the mine officials were in attendance, but no miners turned up, and the mine was closed. The men are determined to stand firm and fight.

At a meeting held it was decided to canvass for support, and Mr Pritchard was appointed to canvass Christchurch, Dunedin and the rest of the South Island, whilst Hickey appeals to Wellington, Westport and Nelson. Efforts are being made to get the Tyneside and State Colliery Miners to come out, but at meetings held on Saturday the proposal was not favourably received.

It is freely rumoured that the Blackball Coal Company intend to close the mine down until the railway from Ngahere to Blackball is completed, and in the meantime to go on erecting new bins. The manager notified the miners that all agreements and concessions agreed to by him are off. The miners claim that the decision of the Arbitration Court is too severe, • Ou Saturday evening everything was quiet, and no public speeches were delivered. The whole affair is looked upon as very serious by the business people of Greymouth and Blackball tradesmen have stopped all credit, refusing goods unless money is paid down.