BLACKBALL STRIKE.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIII, Issue 9103, 24 March 1908, Page 8

BLACKBALL STRIKE.

the UNION DEFIANT.

Press Association

Greymouth, March 23. The Blackball Union has decided not to pay the fine of £75 imposed by the Arbitration Court. A meeting of the Blackball Miners Union was held this morning at Blackball, when an _ extraordinary resolutions was carried not to pay the £75 fine imposed by the Arbitration Court, aud to completely ignore the whole matter. It was further decided not to go to work until half-an-hour “crib-time” was allowed. The action of the miners was severely commented on in town, and regrets felt that they are so illadvised. The meeting was determined not to give way, and to fight the position to the end. Very severe remarks were made on the Arbitration Court, aud, as a protest which will be felt, the miners decided to set it at defiance. The time fixed by the Government for the payment of the fine was up to-day, and it will be interesting to see what action the Government will take. It is also stated that Hickey lias not paid the fine imposed on him some weeks ago by the Magistrate in connection with disobedience at the Blackball mine.

The Brunner Workers’ Union has donated £2l out of its funds, aud gives £BO a week until the trouble is settled.

Some of the married men are getting work at the Paparoa and Ngahere railway works. The Brunner Union has passed the following resolution: —“That the Hon. J. A. Millar, Minister of Labour, bo informed that this Union has no confidence in the constitution of the Arbitration Court, and strongly urges him to pass legislation to amend the same.” The action of the miners to-day in refusing to pay the fine removes all hopes of an early settlement. Business people in town state that they can feel the effects of the strike at Blackball, and they are not willing to send goods on credit. The Blackball storekeepers have already stopped credit. The miners have received the first strike pay, £1 being distributed to each man. SYMPATHY IN WELLINGTON. Wellington, March 28. The Wellington Trades aud Labour Council discussed the Blackball trouble to-night, and a resolution was passed that the demand for half-au-hour’s “crib-time” is just and reasonable. Also resolved that according to the decision of Mr Justice Sim, the employers have the right under the law to discriminate against Unionists, and that until the law is amended so as to render adequate protection to the workers the Unionists cannot do otherwise than protect themselves. The sum of £4 was collected in the room, aud it was decided to circularise the Unions for monetary assistance. MEETINGS OF UNIONS. Westport, March 24. The Westport Labour Union has not yet taken any definite action respecting assistance to the Blackball miners. At a special meeting of Granity Miners’ Union, the question of appointing an organising Secretary for the Coast was discussed, and it was resolved to have one appointed. On the question of assistance to Blackball miners no immediate action was taken. Although the question of assistance to strikers’ wives and families was recognised tfie principle of conciliation aud arbitration was upheld.