THE BLACKBALL STRIKE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 100, 16 April 1908, Page 2

THE BLACKBALL STRIKE.

THIS LAW IX OPERATION. Per Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. " People imagine that nothing has ecu done by the Government," suid tlie ilinister for Labour (the lion. J. A dillar), when discussing the strike sitution at Blackball. "There seems to ie an idea prevalent that the JJepartnent has taken 110 action. That idea s entirely erroneous. What are the 'acts'; The Arbitration Court gave its .leeision 011 the 12th March. The demand for payment of the line was made (ill -March 18tll. A reply was received from the I'nion on March 20th saying

it hail 110 funds This was forwarded to the Chief Inspector of Awards, who then made a demand for immediate payment. On Alarch iSOtli the Union again Stated that it had 110 funds, and 011 April 7th the Crown Prosecutor at (ireyiiioutli was told lo take, the necessary steps to recover the penally, lie now iias the matter in hand. The reason why the demand for payment of the tine in tin? Jir-t instance was not made until Alarch 18th was because negotiations were going 011 for a settlement. As soon as it became apparent that nothing would tie done in lllis direction, J immediately put the law in motion. The Crown Prosecutor will first proceed against the Cnion officials, and tneil, if necessary, against every individual member of the I'nion." The Minister added Hint the only way to render the law thoroughly effective in relation to tin? collection of fines was to embody ill the Act the proposal Submitted in' his Bill last year, i.e, tile right to "follow"' a worker, who had been fined to any employer whom he subsequently worked for, anil collect a percentage of lus wages towards the ultimate liquidation of the penalty.

action takkn itv kmi'loveus' ASSOC l AXIOM. Uuneilin, Last Night. A special meeting of the Employers' Association was held to-day to consider the (jovcrument's actions in connection with the Blackball strike, and also the question of aiding ami abetting ami Mr. Skerrett's opinion of section 14 of the lactones Act Amendment Act, 1907. I lie following resolutions were carried: " 1 hat this meeting of Olago employers express its disappointment at ilie turn Ihings have taken in connection with the Blackball strike, and very much regrets tlie Covermnent's continued inactivity lo enforce the Act. The meeting considers that ill the best interests of the community as a, whole it should he immediately amended and made enforceable against all parties or expunged from the Statute, books of the Dominion altogether"; "That as the Coverument refuse to take prompt action against those unions which have been guilty of aiding and abetting the strike in passing resolutions of sympathy and donating ] money to carry on the strike, the New j Zealand Employers' Federation lie asked to instilnl: l proceedings against one or two of the principal oll'cndcrs, so Hint ■I case m:iy |m- made and Hie position of the employers ascertained"; "That this meeting is strongly of opinion that radical amendments must be made to the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act if it; is to be of any lasting benefit to the community, and that the local federation be appointed lo draw up necessary amendments to be approved by a general meeting and forwarded to the federation for submission to employers throughout the > Dominion." NO NEW DEVELOPMENTS. Creymouth, Last Night. There are no fresh developments in connection with the strike at Blackball. The Tvneside Miners' llnion meet on Friday, when it is expected they wiil agree to continue support to the strikers.