THE BLACKBALL STRIKE.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIII, Issue 9119, 11 April 1908, Page 5

THE BLACKBALL STRIKE.

Press Association. Christchurch, April 10. The special correspondent of the Lyttelton Times at Greymouth reports that the executive of the Blackball Miners’ Union have withheld from the men" the proposals submitted to them for a settlement of tne difficulty, and, in fact, even when asked, refused to produce for the men’s information important telegrams which would probably have led to a settlement some time ago. The report further states that Mr Hickey was sent north to collect money, and not to confer with others. This is interpreted here to mean that as long as the unions in other districts will subscribe money to support the executive iu idleness they will discourage any attempt at effecting a settlement of the difficulty. The Lyttelton Times points out that the miners are being wantonly incited to continue the strike by their own leaders, Wellington, April 10.

The Wellington Trades and Labour Council have invited all the local Unions *to send financial assistance to the Blackball miners. The invitation, it is stated, is being responded to by almost every Union. Some are sending lump stuns of £5 and upwards weekly so far, but one Union has written refusing to subscribe. Thames, April 10.

The members of the Thames Miners’ Union met to-night to discuss the position of the ; Blackball strikers to decide whether assistance should bo given. The meeting was not open to the Press but it is understood that it was decided to recommend the executive to grant assistance.

Greymouth, April 10,

There si a good deal of discontent among the strikers at Blackball, owing to the fact that the ExecuUve have kept back telegrams from Mr Tregear, offering terms of settlement. One of the strikers writing to the Grey Argus, exposes the whole matter, which the secretary of the Union denies. The Executive have received a warm time from the local press and public, and it is stated they have decided to resign. A meeting will be held to-morrow, to receive their resignation. a requisition, presented to the secretary from the Wharf Labourers, was received to-day, duly signed, asking that an extraordinary meeting be called to consider the question of continuing to support the strikers. The meeting is to be held on Sunday morning, when a resolution to rescind giving support, will be moved. Last week the wharf labourers contributed £l7, being five per cent of wages earned.