THE BLACKBALL STRIKE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 71, 13 March 1908, Page 2

THE BLACKBALL STRIKE.

ARBITRATION COURT DECISION TO BE GIVEN TO-MORROW. Per Pross Association. (Ireymouth, Last Night. The Arbitration Court resumed its sitting in connection with the Blackball strike this morning. Ten miners were examined, the evidence being similar to that already given. One witness stated that he was working with one of the men who was dismissed, and swore that the manager did not use any bad language.

Counsel for the miners, in addressing the Bench, held that the miners did not strike, and it. was lawful for them to knock oil' work without a moment's notice. He contended that the manager had acted in a brutal way towards the men. Counsel for the Crown stated tinmen had committed a breach for disobedience. They wanted and demanded everything and did not consider anybody. The manager had an absolute right to dismiss what men he wanted to. The Bench announced that the decision would be given at 10.30 the next morning.

SETTLEMENT ARRIVED AT. THE STRIKE OVER. Greymonth, Last Night. After the Court; proceedings closed yesterday a meeting of the Blackball miners who were in town was held, when Mr. McOullough was present. The position was thoroughly fought out, with the result that Hick'ey ami Fox were appointed a deputation to interview the manager and ask him to conic lo a settlement. The deputation stated that they were prepared to work ten-hour shifts, providing 20 minutes' crib time was allowed, the dismissed men to bc re-instated, and a guarantee that the men would not be victimised; the miners lo come out and do two hours' trucking; the other conditions in the dispute to be submitted to the Arbitraion Court at a future sitting. The management agreed to the terms. The deputation stated they would ask the Miners' Union to accept the terms. A meeting of the Union was called for 10 o'clock this evening at Blackball, and, after a long discussion, the terms were accepted by the Union. This means that the fea'r of a strike is over, and the men are prepared lo start work on Saturday morning at eight o'clock. Tn a short interview with Mr. Fox vice-president of the Union, he stated that no man could have brought aJiout the settlement but Mr. McCullough, who put the case so clearly before the men. The general manager, Mr. Leitch, states Hint he is fully satisfied with the result, and is sure that the mine will work more smoothly.