A STRIKE THREATENED.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 92, 14 May 1909, Page 2

A STRIKE THREATENED.

AT THE STATE COALMINES. By Ttlegi'hpii.—Press Association. Greymouth, Last Night, There is every prospect of a strike occurring uL the State mine extension workn. The authorities last week dismissed three men from the tunnel works without giving any reason. A meeting of the Union was held on .Saturday night, when the following resolution was carried:—"That if the three men were not reinstated pending an inquiry the Union would give the District Engineer twenty-one days' notice of their intention to cease work." It was decided | that the president and secretary (Mr. Fry) interview the District Engineer with a view to ascertaining it' an honorable settlement of the dispute could not be arrived at. They had several interviews with him, but these were of no avail, so yesterday morning, acting.on the instructions of the meeting of the Union on Saturday, they attended the Public \Vork6 oflice, and served Mr. Lewis with a formal notice that the UnioTi would cease work in 21 days from that date if the men were not reinstated. 'Die secretary of the Union states that the engineer has 110 fault to find with the work done by the men, but complains of the way they spent their money after earning it.

Wellington, Thursday. In regard to the report from Greymouth that a strike is threatened at the State mine extension works because th-j engineer removed the men from the tunnel into the open face, which action was" resented and reported to the Union, that body resolved that if three men are not re-instated pending an enquiry the Union would give notice of its intention to cease work.

The Public Works Department states t:hat it has received advices to that effect, and the Hon. McKenzie, now a.t Gi&borne, has been asked by telegram what action will be taken.

About 400 men are employed o*n the work of connecting No. 2 State colliery with the present railway line.