THE BLACKBALL STRIKE

Otago Witness, Issue 2817, 11 March 1908, Page 52

THE BLACKBALL STRIKE

CHARGE AGAINST THE COMPANY. (Feok Ottb Own Cobbestondxnt.) GF.EYMOUTH, March 9. It is understood that the Blackball Miners/ Union will prosecute tho company for an alleged breach of the award, in that it dismissed seven men because v they were unionists. The Hon. Mr Guinness has been retained to appear for' the union. A representative of the Argue interviewed Mr Lomas, of the Labour Department, who stated that he had tried to effect a settlement, but hi 6 overtures had been declined. He stated that there was nothing new to | report. The Arbitration Court would sit | on Wednesday morning to deal with the j matter. The suggestion by Mr Lomas for a con- | ference between the Blackball Union and the mine agent, in order to endeavour to settle the points in dispute and to refer to the Arbitration Court matters on whioh an agreement could not be arrived at, was rejected by the union. The employers were agreeable to this course. There will be nothing done until the Arbitration Court gives its decision. The opinion is gaining ground that the miners will resume work as soon as the decision is giv«n. Ji. large number o£ miners eacpress themselves as sick and tired of the whole affair, and are anxious to get baok to work.