MINERS’ COMPLAINT.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9350, 20 January 1909, Page 8

MINERS’ COMPLAINT.

WORE RESUMED,

Press Association. Reefton, January 19. The Miners’ Union has simply rera not going to work. It also entered a protest against exertion wages at Otira. Work has haen resumed in all mines. MEN STILL OUT AT HUNTLY. Huutly, January 19. The Huntly coal miners decided to-day, after a conference with the directors of the jTaupiri Goal ..Comnany, to remain out. The position is therefore more serious than ever. The Company agreed to reinstate three men, now under suspension and also to disrate one only of the four whom the Union wished re riuced in status. It was plainly Stated to the Union that the Company would make no further concfssions. The men, at a mass meeting, refused the Company’s offer, reiterating the demand that the alleged blacklegs sbonld he disrated and not again employed by the Company, iu au official capacity the president of

the Union, J. Felton, states that unless a settlements arrived at by next Saturday the Union may withdraw the enginedrivors now keeping the pumps going Should the mine be flooded it would take three or four months to unwater it again. No strike pay has been arranged for. The Union anticipates financial help, if| necessary, from all other Unions in the Dominion. The men are orderly and frequent entertainments are held to’ distract their attention. A prolonged straggle will affect the dairying and goldmining industries and flaxmills, who draw supplies of coal from the Taupiri Company.