THE MINING TROUBLE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 327, 20 January 1909, Page 2

THE MINING TROUBLE.

■THE POSiTiUX AT iIUXTLEI' HEX STILL OX STKIKE.

Auckland, January l!l. The second conference between the Jluutly miners and companies relative to tlie employment 01 lour men who suljinilted to a medical examination takes place this afternoon. Tumi hundred men are still on strike. They declared that they would nut cntei the mine until these four, who hold the position of charge-lirers, he placed in a position where they will have ;u> control over the men. i'rocessions are held daily—men ami women waving Hays and haniicreltes'lmt there has been no molestation 01 olone-throwiitj;. The president of the union anticipate no violence unless drafts of police up pear. THE TAUJ'IM HEX AND THE iSLADKLEUS.

Jluntly, Last Xiglit. Tlh! lluntly coal minors decided tolay, uftcr a conference with the directors uf the Tnnpiri (,'oal Company, to rt'iiini.'i out. The position is, therefore, more serious tlian ever. The company agreed tu reinstate three men now under suspension, and also to disrate one only of the four whom trie union wish redueed in status. It was plainly stated to the union Dial the company would make no further' concessions. The men at a mass meeting refused the company's oiler, roitcratbig the dcmaml that'the four alleged blacklegs should be disrated and not again employed l>y the eonipany in an oilieial capacity. The president of the union [.I. Kulton) states that unless a settlement is arrival at by next Saturday the union may withdraw the engine-drivers now keeping the pumps going. Should the mine be Hooded it would take three or four months to unwater it again. The men out number 357. Xo strike pay lias been arranged for. The union anticipates financial help, if necessary, from nil other unions in the Dominion. The men are orderly, and frequent entertainments are held to distract their attention. A prolonged struggle will affect the dairying and gold-mrn'rag industries and ilnxmills, wlio draw their supplies from the Taupiri Company. REEFTOX MIXERS. Wellington, January 111. The Reefton Miners' Union simply rescinded the resolution in reference to | not going to work. It also entered a 'protest against the exertion wage at Otiva. Work lias been resumed at all I mines.