THE LATE STRIKE AT THE SPRINGFIELD COLLIERY.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2285, 14 July 1880, Page 3

THE LATE STRIKE AT THE SPRINGFIELD COLLIERY.

A strike of the employees of the above Company took place on June 27. It appears a dispute arose between tbe Company and the men as far back as 1877, which, was occasioned by the men trying to break their agreement. The price paid for hewing and putting was ds per ton. The Company having found that this mode of working was not economical, employed putters to haul the coal from the hewers, thus reducing their price to 3s per ton and an allowance of 2s per yard for all headings, which worked satisfactorily until latel}'. The Company having found it necessary to extend their operations, consequent on the completion of the railway to the pit mouth and' the increased demand for coal caused thereby, sent to Nelson for of) extra miners, who were specially selected in England to work at one of the Westport collieries, but who could not obtain employment there. On their arrival at Springfield they were all engaged at the foregoing prices, comfortable cottages being found for them at a nominal rental, and a large block of the Company’s land was cut up in convenient sized sections to induce the miners to settle. This, however, had not the desired ctfect as after working a short time they struck for an increased price for hewing. One shilling per ton extra was granted by the Company, and these terms were satisfactory to both parties until June 27, when the men demanded a further increase of Is per ton. This was refused, and the mine remained at a standstill for seven da}'*, after which the miners resinned work at former prices. “Lyttelton Times.”