Reefton Deadlock.

Maoriland Worker, Volume 2, Issue 65, 7 June 1912, Page 10

Reefton Deadlock.

FAGAN EXPLAINS

In theory, the rock drill which figures so prominently in the dispute at Reefton is a Waugh. but in practice it is a "popper." It is worked by compressed air, and a hammer, striking 500 blows a minute, pops like a Maxim gun on the quartz, overhead. Hence, the name "popper." The miners' case in this dispute was given by M. Fagan. secretary of the Tnangahua Miners' Union, and also workmen's inspector. Ho said that by an agreement, registered under the Arbitration Act, wages wero stipulated for "two men," working at the same drill —a different "popper" from the one now under notice. About six months ago the Wangh "popper" was introduced, and the mrners were pleased. The machine w»S lighter than tho one which it replaced. and if was believed'that two men would have a less arduous time with the new article than with the old one. About six weeks ago, however, an order was given that the new "popper" had to be worked by only one man, and then the trouble' started. By the use of the Waugh drill, concluded Mr. Fagan. it was possible for two men to do the work which required six men in the old style of hammer and drill. The desire of the management now was that one man should take the place of six- of the old times, at great personal risk to that one man. The miners held that this decree was flagrantly unfair—inhuman. They contended, ten, that the letter and spirit of the legal agreement provided for the employment, of fwo men at a "popper." and therefore thoy held that it was not a case of workers sinking, but. employers locking out. Mr. Fagan has lodged a complaint in lhe Reefton Warden's Court against the mining companies for iindermanning lhe mines at Globe Hill. Waiuta. ami Keep-it-Dark. The case was to have come on for hearing on Thursday.