STRIKE AT WALLAROO.

Te Aroha News, Volume VII, Issue 455, 19 March 1890, Page 4

STRIKE AT WALLAROO.

FOUR HUNDRED AND FIFTY MEN OUT.

The men at the Wallaroo mine, says an Adelaide telegram, are all out on strike save those working the pumping engines. The dispute arises from the fact that the manager refuses to pub on three men to work Harvey’s engine at North Hughes shaft. This engine lias been worked by two men only for some time. The Association took notice of this in October last, pointing out that it was against tho rules of the Association. No notice was taken of this protest, and at last the manager received 14 days’ notice, as he did not at tempt to put on another man. The men all came out this morning ; 450 are out. Everything is quiet. The strike concerns all the shareholders of the recently amalgamated Moonta and Wallaroo Coppermining Companies. The new Company’s Board held a close conference, and considered the whole matter in dispute. It appears Harvey’s engine is used in draining several shafts. The work has been so light that it has been the habit to work the engine with two men with 12-hour shifts instead of with three men with 8-hour shifts. The A M.A. recently objected and demanded the concession of the principle of eight hours' labour, and asked that three men should be put fp work on tiie engine. This the directors could nob see their way clear to do, for tho reason that for some time past that part of the mine drained by Harvey's engine has been worked at a loss, and the management could nob afford to pub on an extra man. This was nob decided upon in a spirit of antagonism. The directors expected that the men would bo called out-. They intend to await tho development of the dispute, and will not immedi ately meet again.