THE BLACKBALL STRIKE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 70, 12 March 1908, Page 2

THE BLACKBALL STRIKE.

SITTING OF THE ARBITRATION COURT. Per Press Association. (rreyinouth, Last Night. The Arbitration Court held a sitting to-day to enquire into a dispute of the Blackball strike. Mr Lcitch, manager, said that owing to the men refusing to work ten-hour shifts he had to reduce wages and sack »even men. He did not dispense with their services for any other reason, lie offered to reinstate the men if they would work ten hours, but would not agree to a ballot for men to be dismissed. He was positive that lie did not use bad language in dismissing the men. It was not the practice to give the men notice. The men had not asked him for 30 minutes' crib, but told him they were going to take it. Thompson, who was with the manager when he dismissed the men, denied that bad language was used. The dismissed men swore at the manager and used very bad language, telling them to "go to out of this." The court adjourned till ten next morning, when it is expected evidence will be finished before the adjournment. Tile Court hopes to be able to give its decision to-mor-row. Throughout the day the court was crowded, nearly all the miners from Blackball being pnesent.