MINERS’ COMPLAINT.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9336, 4 January 1909, Page 4

MINERS’ COMPLAINT.

DEADLOCK AT REEFTON. Per Press Association. . Reefton, January 3. i A meeting of three miners which was held fclast night was not open to the press, but it is understood that the delegates of the Federation of Miners and the Committee reported that' no agreement had been come to with the employers. Mr Colvin, M.P., and Mr P. J.. O’Regan addressed the meeting, which ultimately' decided that no member of the [Union should: go towork to-morrow. The only miners working in the district will be the tribnters at the Golden Fleece, and only they, as no: workers for them will turn out. The mines affected are the Progress and Globe mines, the new Big River, Keep it Dark, Energetic, Wealth of Nations, New Ulster, St. George, and Saith Welcome Syndicate. All battery bands also will not {go to work. It. is oalonlated that 600 miners directly employed in the mines will be affected. Great indignation was expressed against the Government. They considered the measure the oanse of the trouble between employers and the men, and the men think that the employers are making too much of the risk. The men also* think that the employers in asking for five years’ insurance are asking for too much. A good deal of oensnre was passed on the action of a member of the Labour Federation, who was reported by the New Zealand Times to have said that 75 per cent of the miners were affected by “Miners’ Complaint. ’V Mr Semple, president of the Miners’ Federation, says this has been misreported. The utmost good order prevails. It is held that as the men were discharged on the 23rd December, there is no compulsion for them to go to work. NO STOPPAGE AT WESTPORT.

Westport, January 4. * Work at the oolleries in this district was resumed this monring after the holidays and the output is fairly good. Reefton troubles so far have not affected the colliery industry.