Coal Mine Trouble

Te Aroha News, Volume XXVII, Issue 4363, 21 January 1909, Page 3

Coal Mine Trouble

■ — ♦ A SERIOUS POSITION. AN ABORTIVE CONFERENCE. MINERS REFUSE TO WORK. UNLESS “ BLACKLEGS ” ARE DISCHARGED. ENGINE DRIVERS MAY BE CALLED 'OUT. Huntly, January 19. Thk Huntly coal miners decided to-day after a conference with the directors of the Taupiri Coal Company 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 wish reduced in status.

It was plainly stated to the Union that the company would make no further concession.

The men at a mass meeting refused the company’s offer, reiterating the demand that the four alleged “ blacklegs ” should b.. and not again employed by the Company in an official capacity. The president of the Union (Mr J. Fulton) states that unless a settlement is arrived at by next Saturday the Union may withdraw the engine-drivers now keeping the pumps going. Should the mine be flooded it would take three or four months to unwater it again. The men out number 375. 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 struggle will affect th? dairying and goldmining industries affll flaxmills, who draw supplies from the Taupiri Company.