THE MINING TROUBLE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 328, 21 January 1909, Page 2

THE MINING TROUBLE.

INQUIRIES ABOUT A STRIKE, A SOUTHERN REPLY. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Dimcdin, January 20.

In response to a telegram from the secretary of the New Zealand Miners' Federation, asking what chance there was of the Otago Union taking part in a general strike, a resolution was carried, with only two dissentients, standing by the Arbitration Court for the settlement of disputes, and declining to join the Federation; also commending the Premier's action as deserving of the best thanks of all rightthinking workers. Sympathy was expressed with the Rccfton miners in having a lockout forced on them, and it was decided to strike a 2'/ 3 per cent, levy for their benclit.

A BATTERY STOPPED. Waihi, January 20. The Grand Junction battery has been temporarily stopped by a shortage of coal. , OPERATIONS AT IiEEFTON. Rceftou, Last Night. Everything is passing oil' quietly. The mines arc being pumped out and made workable. Several falls occurred during the nearly four weeks' spell, and on these being remedied the men arc getting back to work again. There is no trouble, and all are heartily glad i of the settlement. i THE POSITION AT HUNTLV. NO SOLUTION IN SIGHT. Iluntly. Last Night, i The mining trouble at Iluntly is further oil' from solution than ever. The Taiipiri Company has declined to disrate the four officials whom the Union object to. and the men have not met mi the subject and have not gone back on their decision to remain firm. The secretary of the Union states that the Otago Miners' Union was not asked to (co-operate in the. present strike, but Smlv in the original trouble, over the •medical examination. If no solution is reached by Friday arrangements will he •made for' a protracted strike which 'would be very far-reaching in effect. So •far no disturbance has occurred.