ABERTILLERY “STRIKE.”

PRECIPITATE ACTION OF THE EXTREMISTS.

MAJORITY OF THE MEN WORKING.

OUR Abertillery correspondent writes: The extreme selection of the mining community of Abertillery on Wednesday night endeavoured to bring about a stoppage of work in the whole of the collieries in that locality.Their activity, fortunately, only attained a small amount of success. It might, however, especially at this critical juncture, have resulted in serious consequences.

The trouble first commenced early in the evening, when an unofficial meeting was held at Trimty-corner, presided over by Mr. W. J. Hewlett. Certain decisions were come to, but to counteract them the town crier was officially instructed to announce that work would be continued as usual.

This evidently did not meet with the approval of the unofficial crowd, who wended their way in the Gymnasium Hall and held another meeting, Mr. W. J. Hewlett again occupying the chair.

The meeting was strongly in favour of not resuming the work and, during the deliberations, Mr. Opton Purnell was asked into the meeting. Although the gathering was unofficial, Mr. Purnell realised what serious consequences might arise if a resolution supporting a non-resumption of work was carried, and therefore assented to their request.

Mr. Purnell did his utmost to prevail upon the men not to resort to a stoppage, but despite his strenuous efforts, the meeting by an overwhelming majority decided not to resume work in the morning (Thursday). Although late at night, the news spread like wildfire through the town, and at a social gathering at the Liberal Club which was well attended by underground workers, the chairman announced that there would be no work in the morning.

It is alleged that the town crier’s bell was taken away from him, and a a gang of young fellows, shortly after 11pm, paraded through Church-street, ringing the bell and announcing that there would be no work on the morrow.

Much mischief was thus accomplished, with the result that both the Cwmtillery and Penybont pits were idle on Thursday morning, throwing about 3,000 men idle.

Fortunately the “news” had not been thoroughly circulated to men employed at other pits, with the result that although many men did not go to work, work was resumed as usual at all the remaining pits. Had the unofficial resolution been carried into effect, it would have involved more than 15,000 workers.

An official mass meeting is to be held this (Thursday) evening.

Risca Collieries Idle.

The whole of the pits in the Risca area ceased work today and a special meeting will be held at Cross Keys tonight at 5pm to consider the situation.

Blaenavon Men Working.

The men of the collieries in the Blaenavon district held a meeting on Tuesday, when they decided to continue work at the advice of the leaders. Collieries in the Blaenavon district are also working.