MINERS’ OFFICIALS ARRESTED.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 1695, 5 April 1917, Page 3

MINERS’ OFFICIALS ARRESTED.

POLICE TAKE ACTION. Westport, April 3. A batch of police visited Denriiston to-day, and raided the ollice of the Miners’ Union, taking possession of letters and books, and arrested J. Winniard (president), and T. Helson (secretary). The men came to-night to town and a little later were taken away by motor car by the police, hut their destination was not disclosed. It is understood that the men were arrested on a charge of being concerned in a seditious strike arising out of the “go-slow” movement, but the police do not give much information. A batch of police also raided the office of the Miners’ Union at Stockton, and took possession of books and correspondence. No arrests were made there.

From enquiries made to-night, it is anticipated that the miners will turn to as usual in the morning, as apparently no meeting has yet been bold. It is known that the miners are far from unanimous on the “goslow” policy, but more definite information as to their intentions in consequence of the arrests should be available to-morrow. Greymoutb, April 3. The police, acting under instructions from headquarters, left town this morning, one party going to Runanga and the other to Koa, near Blackball. At Runanga, Arbuekle, secretary of the Federation of Labour, was arrested on a charge of allegedly inciting people to a strike at Huntly and other places. He was taken to Westport by motor-ear this evening, where he will be charged along with the men arrested in that place.

To-day, on supposed similar charges, a miner named “Tankio” Smith was searched and documents of an incriminating nature were found. Outside these facts the police are reticent, but the arrests have caused many rumours to lie circulated.

Auckland, April 3

The police arrested six mine union officials 111 the Huntly district to-day on charges of a breach of the War Regulations, namely, -John dories, president of the New Zealand Federation and the Huntly Union; Arthur Jordan, secretary; James .Maloney and Robert Wintle, members of the executive of the Pukemiro Union; and James Gumming, secretary of the Waipa Union. The (diarges against the first three are for encouraging a seditious stale and against the others of being u parly to a strike. BEFORE THE COURT AT AUCKLAND. Auckland, April I. The miners arrested at Huntly appeared hetore the ( oiirt a| Auckland this morning, and were remanded till Tuesday next, when a further remand will he asked fur. The ease will probably be heard at Huntly on Bth April. Bail was refused. MINKS IDLE. rireymouth. April I. The Slate and other coal mines in the Grey district are idle to-day. The miners are holding meetings, it is believed, in collection with yesterday’s arrests. A reliable authority stales that the men have now added to the causes of striking the Judges’ decision in the appeal cases of Semple and others. WESTPORT MINES WORKING. Westport, April 5. The mines in this district arc working as usual. LACK OF COAL. Grcymouth, April 3. ,Vt the Creymouth Harbour Board's meeting to-night it was decided, owing to the falling revenue due mainly to the luck of coal, caused by the "go-slow" policy, to close dowi* the dredge till the revenue improved. Ttie decrease in the coal supply amounted to 3,500 tons per week.