HOW THE TROUBLE AROSE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2817, 4 March 1908, Page 31

HOW THE TROUBLE AROSE.

MANAGER'S EXPLANATION. (From Our Own Correspondent.)

GREYMOUTH, February 28. Strike matters at Blackball were quiet to-day, and there is no alteration to report. The union held a meeting yesterday. A correspondent had an interview with W. Leach, the mine manager. Mr Leach states that the first sigya of discontent occurred . but recently, when a letter was received from the union demanding him to enforce the long-allowed half-hour for crib time. This advice was received on a Friday, and on the following Monday it was put into operation. This action has since been the cause of the court case, when correspondence connected therewith was read, but the decision has not yet been delivered. A little later, owing to increased orders and the limited carrying capacity of the aerial tram line, it was deemed necessary to work the aerial line 10 hours to meet the demand, a custom which has been in vogue since the double shift was abolished. This, of course, meant that the jig men and truckers had to work 10 hours per day, and they were paid time and a-quarter for the extra two hours. The majority of the men seemed to be only too pleased to have the opportunity of earning overtime. Following this came a notice from the union drawing the management's attention to rule 24 of the unjon's rules, which was to the effect that no members of the union would be allowed to work more than eight hours per day, or they wouid be liable to a fine of 10s for each occasion. In reply to the union's letter, continued Mr Leach, it was stated that if we complied with their notice it would be necessary for the miners to do trucking, and this reply was handed* to the secretary of the union. However, after further consideration it was decided that it would be better to revert to the eight hours' shift, and thus avoid all difficulty, as at present the company has a case before the court to test the question of whether the manager can order a man to do what he is wanted to do or otherwise. This, of course, meant that there would have to be a reduction in hands, as although thero were not enough men employed for a 10 hours' shift, there were too many for eight, so that some had to go, and he ! decided to dispense with the services of the new arrivals and keep the old hands, as he knew them and could rely on them. Having notified the men not required that their services were dispensed with, the next development occurred the same evening (Wednesday), when a deputation waited on him (the manager) and asked him if he would reinstate the men who had been dismissed, and the deputation asked no other question. The manager replied that as the pit was only going to work eight hours a day in future he did not require their services, and therefore could not reinstate them. At a later hour the same evening the deputation returned and stated that the j men had decided not to return to work unless the men dismissed' were reinstalled. He (Mr Leach) replied: "What? You don't mean to say tnat_th<?y are going to btrike?" And the denufcarion stated that that was the union's decision. He then repMed : " Oh, well, let it be so," and immediately communicated with the mining manager at Ngahere. The latter also communicated at once, by urgent te!eeram, with the secretary of the company at Christ^hurch, informing him of the position. Mr Leach then produced a copy of the letter forwarded to tbe union as to the reason of the dismissal of the men. the following being a cony : — "27th February, 1903. "Walter Rogers. Esq.. secretary of the Blackball Miners' Union. " Dear Sir. — In ease the deputation which interviewed the mine manager last evening neglected reporting clearly to the meeting the reason g-iven by the said miDe mariagrr for dismissing the seven miners discharged

yesterday, I take this opportunity of stating the aforesaid reasons, so that you may have it in writing. The reasons are as follows: — The union having notified me that it would not allow any member of the union to work more than eigiht hours forced on my company the following alternative — viz., either to work eight hours per day or else to - work tno mine 10 hours and get miners to truck for the firm two hours out of 10. I notified you that I intended to get the miners to truck, but on further consideration I thought this might lead to endless trouble. I therefore decided to take the other alternative — viz., to work eight hours only, but having too many men for eight hours per day it. became necessary to discharge those I did not require. This I proceeded io do, with the result that you have struck. — Yours faithfully, James Leach, Mining Manager." Mr Leach then explained the situation as regards the miners having to truck the first two hours of the 10 and the last two, a position of affaire which was caused by two shifts of miners working, one commencing at 6 a.m. and the other at 8 a.m., two truckers being required at each incline from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. to keep the aerial trams supplied as well as possible. The same conditions apply from 2 p.m. to i 4 p.m. | I In conclusion. Mr Leach stated that he wag greatly surprised at what had hap- ' poned. as everything had been done fair and above board, and also in accordance with the Mining Act 3; and the miners had undoubtedly. brought the present unlooked for position upon themselves. , The Blackball Company has coal on ■ hand suffioient to supply one more steamer. The manager 6tates that for some time the 1 demand for coai has been exceptionally keen. Orders will now have to be refused. Mr James Isdeli (Inspector of Labour) , proceeded to Blackball to-day to inquire : into the position :n order to fully report to 1 the Minister of Labour (Hon. J. A. Millar). There were 140 men out in all, including 82 miners, while the rest are employed in and about the mine. A message received in town this afternoon states that the Minister of Labour has directed that full inquiries be made, and he will decide what action shall be ' taken as soon as such information is available. The miners held a mass meeting last I evening, and were addressed by Mr H. M. I Fitzgerald, of Wellington, who urged that the present stand -be continued. I To-morrow is pay day at Blackball, and ' some lively scenes are anticipated.