THE HUNTLY STRIKE.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXV, Issue 10713, 22 October 1913, Page 6

THE HUNTLY STRIKE.

BOTH SIDES DETERMINED

(By Telegraph — Press Association.) HAMILTON, Last Night. While the company asserts that the union caused a breach of the agreement made last November, by which it is liable to a £SO a day penalty for not taking a secret ballot and not giving six weeks' notice, the union, on the other hand, states, that the clause in the agreement justified them in supporting the action of members who consider that they have been victimised. The union declares that there were sixteen distinct cases of victimisation, as while sixteen unionists were dismissed, fourteen new men were taken on. It is understood that the union, when notice was received that work was to be' slack, offered, to divide among themselves all the work, the company required, thus obviating the necessity. for' dismissal of any of. the men. When this offer was refused by the company, they further undertook to conduct a ballot amongst the members as to what men should be put off, the ballot to be conducted under the union's supervision. This, it explained, would have given the single men & chance to give their rights of work to the married men; who were j not in a position to stand a period lof enforced idleness. The directors replied l that they must reserve the right to use their own discretion as to whom they employed. It is calculated that 500 men, are "out.

The strike was decided on without the sanction of the United Federation, with whom the union is affiliated, but the sanction of the federation was not in a case where victimisation was alleged or where the working conditions were •considered to be dangerous. . Support is expected from the United Federation. The position wears a more serious aspect as the fight is likely to be as prolonged as the strike twelve months ago, as both sides are determined. .*:■'**.;■

NO RESERVE OF COAL

(By Telegraph — Press Association.) AUCKLAND, Last Night.

The Huntly miners have resolved to have 10,000 pamphlets printed and circulated thi'oughout the Dominion, giving its side of the controversy.

Mr Alison, chairman of directors, stated that the men's claim to decide who should he employed or discharged is unique among the causes of industrial trouble in New Zealand. Such conditions would certainly not be conceded by the company. The continuance of the strike would be attended with serious as the company has no reserve of coal to meet the requirements of the Auckland district, whicli virtually depends on the Huntly minas for ite supply. The Thames mining is likely to be affected also, but Waihi will provide for an emergency.