Moves of Mineowners.

Maoriland Worker, Volume 3, Issue 83, 11 October 1912, Page 1

Moves of Mineowners.

DRIVEN FROM PILLAR TO POST.

When this strike started the masterclass, thinking they had got inside information, thought we should bo down and out in a fortnight. They said wo could not get tho funds. Then tho funds started to pour in, and the master-class began to fmik, and they looked around for another move. Get tlie coal miners out on strike, and then we can beat them, said the slavedrivers —and so they started a crusade of pinpricks amongst the colliers.

"Kaitangata!—thaftfs the spot to fetch 'em," they cried. And we didn't bite. We just knew their moves, and so we pulled most of our men away from Kaitangata—and the company have been advertising for men ever since.

The next attempt was in the State mine. Knowing these men were staunch and true to their-class, the gold-owners sent in an order for coal, believing that the men would down tools rather than cut coal for a scab mining concern. But we sat tight and let them have their coal, because we knew they couldn't get miners to scab and it- was no good burning coal for fun. So the order was cancelled."

*'Ah, but Huntly, these men will bite," argued tho master-class; but again they couldn't get the scabs aud it was no good getting coal if they couldn't get scabs.

-'Now," they said, "here's our last chance—we will get Bill Massey to send the police up and irritate the men into disorder." The police were sent: they irritated, bullied and challenged the men to a light—but we didn't budge an inch. Forty-five men, innocent men,