THE COAL STRIKE.

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 220, 24 April 1917, Page 4

THE COAL STRIKE.

A BALLOT RUMOUR.

AUCKLAND, April jzS.

A report is current in guared circles to-day that a simultaneous secret, ballot is being taken to-day among the miners of the West Coast and of the Waikato collieries on the gjiestion of resuming work, and thaC the outlook is hopeful of the issue being decided in favour of a return to the pits. The mining companies have no information on the subject, while extreme reticence is being observed the miners themselves. A certain amount of colour is given to the rumour, however, by telegrams received late this afternoon indicating a belief that the strike will end this week.

CABINET UNANIMOUS. TO UPHOLD COMPULSIO.N AT ALL COSTS. WELLINGTON, April 23. At the Anzac celebrations to-day the Hons. Herdman, Russell, and Myers referred to the miners’ strike. Their speeches emphasised that Cabinet is completely united in regard to the Military Service Act, which is going to be upheld at all costs*- Ministers said they were determined that the fair name cf New Zealand was not going to be tarnished by a few misguided men, who would be well-advis-ed to do their duty.

THE LATEST. RUMOURED SETTLEMENT. GREYMOUTH, April 23, In regard to the coal strike, meetings of miners were held to-day at the Blackball and State mines. Although no official intimation has been, received as to the results or basis of settlement, it is freely rumoured that the strike will end this week.

STATE AND BACKS ALL MINERS. GREYMOUTH. this clay. It is now definitely stated that the State and Blackball miners are prepared to return to work, and are only awaiting the result of the Westport miners* meeting.