TROUBLE AT A MINE.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIII, Issue 9147, 16 May 1908, Page 5

TROUBLE AT A MINE.

ALLEGED DANGER OP FLOODING.

Per Press Association

Dunedin, May ”157*”

Friction occurred at Christie Bros.’ mine at Green Island yesterday over the refusal of the proprietors to permit the workers’ representatives to inspect the mine.

On arrival at the Christie No. 2 mine this morning a discussion arose among the miners as to the reason why the check inspectors were refused admission, and after consultation, a statement was drawn up affirming that the men thought there was something radically wrong with the mine or the owners would not have refused to allow a check inspection being made; that the men, accordingly were afraid to risk their lives, and would not go to work until such time as the mine was inspected by the Workers’ Inspectors. Representatives of the men came to Dunedin and Reid a lengthy interview with the inspectors—Messrs Hally and Hollows (of the Labour Department), and Green (Government Inspector of Mines).

It is understood that Mr James Christie (one of the owners, and the manager of the Saddle Hill Mines) was willing to be present, but the men declined to meet him.

From what could be gathered in the miners intimated that if Christie Bros, would invite the check inspectors to visit their mines they would be prepared to return to work.

The miners consider that danger exists in the accumulation of water in the old workings above, and it is alleged that one miner tapped water in three different places in the overhead workings. The fear is that the present workings are liable to be, flooded. Mr Green, Inspector of Mines, left town this afternoon to make an examination of No. 2 Saddle Hill mine. In the course of a brief interview he stated that he was not aware of any impending danger in the mine, nor had anything been brought under his notice suggesting that any danger existed, either from the accumulation of water in the old workings or from gas. He has had this mine under close inspection, and he found its workings to be in a no less safe or satisfactory condition than those of the mines on which the check inspectors have just reported favourably. Work at No. 1 Saddle Hill mine—about a mile away frqjn No. 2—was proceeding to-day, but it is possible that unless a settlement is arrived at the men there will cease work to morrow.

The men have submitted proposals %o the Company that they and the check inspectors must be paid for loss of time incurred as the result of the refusal to permit the inspection until such time as the Company agrees to the inspection. A meeting of miners is to be held to-morrow.