THE BLACKBALL STRIKE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 98, 14 April 1908, Page 4

THE BLACKBALL STRIKE.

THE UNION'S SIDE Mlt. TltEljKAlt'S I.ETTKI! AND ITS KECliil'TiOV

A IiEI'LY Tu STATEMENTS.

The secretary of the lllackball I'nimi states that statements made liy the ineiuher of the Union quoted are altogether contrary to facts. "We admit," he adds, "thai the telegram from Mr. Tregear is quite correct, but that telegram was only suggestions that did not embody resolutions that the committee was Dound by from the general meeting. The proposals formulated in Mr. Tliegear's mind were as follows: (1) The directors to grant within a fortnight 30 minutes' crib tine, anil restoration of the discharged men to their former positions; tlie men on their part to guarantee that il these concessions were granted tliey will l'e-

turn to work at once. Jf the men ask the Minister to intervene with Mr. .Stead, th e matter need not be public in any way; in fact, it will be entirely a private arrangement and be confidential so far as the press is concerned. "ONLY SUUtilib-rioNS."

"We, the committee, on receipt of the above telegram, owing ti its privacy, were disinclined to discuss the same in any way, but seeing that tliey were only the suggestion s of Mr. Tregear we decided to reply with the hope of getting something more definite before placing it before a general meeting. The committee replied to the above telegram to the effect that if the Minister could get 30 minutes' crib time granted the men would resume work immediately. This was in accordance with a resolution passed by the general meeting. Up to the present moment no ivply has been received to that wire. This individual is 'all at sea' in stating that the committee notified Mr. Tregear that they could nut entertain such a proposal, as the above wire will speak for itself, showing that the committee were doing their utmost to bring about a settlement in accordance with resolutions passed by the general meeting. Ue would like to impress upon you and the general public that the union, at the general meeting, carried a resolution by a very large majority not to resume work unless the half-hom crib time was granted. Also, we would agaiu remind you that we had received no proposal from any one—merely suggestions from outside sources. Mr. Tregear mentions that lie could not say that the terms suggested by him could now lie obtained, nor could he say tliat the suggestions stated could be brought into terms. Then, regarding the use of the name of Mr. Hogg (who was represented as having telegraphed to the strikers urging them to accept the terms offered) it is stated that this was clone without his authority whatsoever." PRESIDENT S EXPLANATION. "In explaining to the special meeting called to consider Mr. Tregcar's proposal," continues the secretary of the union, "the president, in opening the meeting, addressed members in the following manner: 'Our special meeting has been called by your committee on reipiisiton. The business is set out as follows: We desire to have the matter i r a wire lroin Mr Tregear reconsidered to give members a chance to discuss. No, gentlemen, my position here to-day does not tend to make me feel very happy, as I feel sure in doing my duty by carrying out the rules of this union 1 shall oll'cnd sonic of the members present, but 1 mean to deal ill a straightforward way, no mailer who I please or otl'end. There lias been a wire received by the president of a private nature —from whom 1 shall not state. 1 have laid that wire twice . before your committee, and as it con- | tains no terms, only a few suggesi tions, the committee could not submit ! it to a general meeting, i wish to I call jour intention to the following rule: That the committee is bound by any resolution of the union passed at a spciial or general meeting. Si you see that the committee is bound by the former resolutions that have been passed here from time to time, and from tlieni we cannot depart. I cannot help on this occasion expressing my opinion, I feel it a slur on your committee and ail attempt to split the ranks of the union. Now, gentlemen, as rule It distinctly state., that such a requisition shall specify the nature of the business to bu. transacted, there is nothing left for me but to declare this meeting closed. I do not intend to carry out these steps, but will give these ten members a chance of expressing their views.'

■MR. MORI'S EXPULSION. "As a result of the meeting the wire was read on our finding the duplicate w ire to lie correct. At the conclusion ol' the meeting a motion was carried by acclamation endorsing the action of the committee. In conclusion we may state that any member of our union who openly defies the chairman's ruling will be expelled in the same manner as Mr. > Mori."