THE BLACKBALL STRIKE.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIII, Issue 9132, 29 April 1908, Page 7

THE BLACKBALL STRIKE.

Press Association. Greymouth, April 27. A general meeting of the Miners’ Union at Blackball was held this morning to consider the proposal to resume work. The conditions were : (1) The of the men dismissed and no victimising. (3) Thirty minutes to be allowed for crib time. The above conditions to be granted on the Union signing an agreement that truckers must work ten hour shifts. After a good deal of discussion the following resolution was carried by 64 to 4 : ‘ ‘ That the Blackball Union will accept no argeement which does not embody the bank to bank principle.” It is alleged that Mr Hickey gave the miners to understand that they would get just as good support on the trucker question as on the crib time. The only point in dispute was the half-hour crib time, and now that that is settled the men advance the plea of the truckers. The truck - ers before the strike were anxious to work the overtime, as they received time and a half for it, but now the Union will not allow them to do so. Since the strike commenced between 30 and 40 miners have left Baickball for fresh fields. Auckland, A.pril 37. The Auckland Cabman’s Union decided to-night to vote £5 towards the wives and families of the Blackball strikers. AN EXCITING - "EPISODE. A STRIKER ARRESTED. THE FINE SECRETLY. PAID.

Greymouth, April 28. The township of Blackball was thrown into a great state of excitement this morning when Mr Hickey was • arrested for non-payment of a fine inflicted on him by the Magistrate about the middle of February, when he was charged with disobeying the commands of the mine manager in refusing to go to work at the end of fifteen minutes’ crib time. The fine and costs amounted to £1 13s. On Monday evening it was*known in B l ackball that the warrant was issued, and arrangements were made for the baud oat in the morning. A little before 8 o’clock the baud lined up, and Hickey made his appearance at the top end of the township. He was hoisted shoulaer high, and, when __ Constable Egan served the warrant'’anti arrested him he was gi’eeted with loud cuecis and cries of “Good old Hickey. ’ The constable and Hickey mourned the coach to proceed to Egahere to catch the fc'aiaior Greymoutn. The baud also had a coo reyance to convey them cc Egan ere to see Hickey start for gaol. As the coaches moved off the streets were lined with men, women, and children, and cheer upon ct-eer was given. The baud continued to nlay u ifcii Egahere was reached. At Egahere, daring a short wait for the train, the hero oi hour was contiuop! l / cheered, while the Laud played several se’bcoions.^ T'>e residents of Egahere turned oat, and when the train drew in the greatest excitement prevailed. As the train moved off hats were i.h-own in the air, cheers were given and the band strues up a lively tune. The train arrived in Greymouth at 1 1 q‘ clock. ard fiickey_ was taken to the police station, and kept i ll t- e watchhouse. , . . The intention was to convey mm to Hokitika by tho afternoon s train, where he would be placed m the gaol. This, however was upset, foi someone paid the fine, and he therefore could have his libertj. There seems a little mystery about who really dip pav the fine. An Argos repoiter, on enquiring at the pol-ce station was told that the parson had asked that his naoie be kept secret, but that he was a sympathiser.