The Temperance Delegates and the Eight Hours Demonstration.

Auckland Star, Volume XXI, Issue 4193, 24 November 1883, Page 2

The Temperance Delegates and the Eight Hours Demonstration.

(To tho Editor,)

Sift,—Kindly allow me, in the interests of truth, to reply to Mr Middletan's letter. Ho states that tho Eight Hours Demonstration Committeo had already fixed on the 29th of January. This I contend is incorrect. On Tuesday last I received a copy of their last year's report, which concludes as follows :—" In conclusion, they thin]; that tho 29th of January is a most suitablo day to hold these demonstrations, and would suggest that tho delegates bo called together again in September. This think of the Committeo's wasnover confirmed or ratified, nor has the Eight Hours Demonstration Committeo passed any resolution—they not having had a meeting—fixing tho 2'Jth for tho day on which to hold their fete. Mr M. also states " that tho Secretary of the Blue Ribbon Army made personal application to Mr Heslop to alter the day in favour of the Temporanco Societies," This is also untrue. Mr Cox, ono of the deputation, did wait upon Mr Heslop to inform him, out of courtesy (ho heing Chairman of last Committeo) that a deputation from tho Teraperanoe bodios would wait upon them at their next meeting, I havo a correct account of what really took placo between thoso gentlemen, which is as follows :—Mr C. introduced himself and his business,and In reply Mr PI. said in his usual gentlemanly and courteous manner, that it was an understanding from last year that it should be held on that day; that ono of tho societies, would go to tho wall, and most certainly it would not bo theirs, and out of pity they might put thoir hands in their pockets and give us £"5 towards our loss. Mr H. acknowledged that thoy had not yet formed a Committeo, and also conceded tho point that this'year's Committee would not, when formed, bo bound in atiy way to accept tho thoughts of last year's Committee; yet in tho face of this he said that they had already secured tho ground—this "statement being totally incorrect. Mr C. gave him to understand that we had decided, by a unanimous resolution at pur meeting on 22nd October, tp hold pur gala on tho 29th, and that our only object in seeking an interview was (o show our sympathy with them, j and as wo knew they had not fixed their day, to ask, in the interests of both parties, that they would not clash with us. Mr H. then requested him to send him a note asking that the deputation might be allowed to wait upon their Committee when formed. This Mr C. doclined to d.o, not choosing to be subjected to greater indignity. Tho Tempej-anco delegates did all they possibly could to bring about a friendly arrangement advantageous to both parties, and had thoy been met with common courtesy and fair dealing, I haye no hesitation in saying that this dtsargreeablc squabble would not havo taken place. Notwithstanding Mr C. B. King's statement that Mr \V. J. Mncdermott's expressions are "absolutely false," I venture to assort that his veracity will bear very favourable comparison with Mr C, B, K.'n, and suffer no loss therefrom Jn the opinion of those who know him best and in tho opinion of tho Auckland public. Hoping that some practical and amicable settlement of this vexed question will bo arrived at—l am, &c, H, Rotheuham, Hon. Secretary United Temperance Societies demonstration. P,S, Since writing the above I notice by tho report in this morning's paper that the Eight Hours Demonstration Committee held a moeting last evening and passed a reso. lution endorsing the suggestions of last year's Committee, proving beyond dispute that they had not finally decided on any day, and that we havo a prior- right and claim to tho 29th.— H.R.

[This must closo tho correspondence. Ed. E. S.]

(To the Editor.)

Sir,—ln reply to Mr King. I cravoasmall Bpaco to support my " peculiar epistle," the statements mudc therein based upon personal exporienco and information obtained from reliable sources. Mr It. charges me with being careful to give only part of conversation between us on tho ercniug (not morning of tho 2Gth Sept., and in his account thereof ho very carofuUy (rives nothing moro than lip, will find contolnod in tlio "ppculiai< opistlo, even to that portion which refers to tho eommittoo's recommendations — particulars of which I have since obtained from anothor source ( but as tho rocoumiondatjong to oall the coinuiittpjt tpg^thpn in Spnteinbor wero ignored, one might reasonably conclude the Eight Hour Demonstration had shared tho fate of Friendly Societies demonstrations hold on regatta d.ays some fow yoars back; equally as Important to wqpftlng men us the tight Hours' Move, ment. Kcspooting vialt of deputation, it is rather temarJiablo it Mr King in. his usual courteous manner, announced to tho roaderg tho arrival of tho "fplks from tho Tompo.rft.npa Sooiotiea," M* K y with inuob owe, has poll; "verted my "boatbuildora into * waforn;,cn," and points out Uio paoujior elrctimstonooß aur, rounding their calling which rppdor Jt }mp.oqslblo tooonsidcrthp Eight Hours movement. Tf will not trouble you. fu.rth.eii, but hPPP yam* readers will rnukp every inquiry, when, although sympathising with tho movement, I am oanfl.--rtentottnoVcrdtct,_la,n.ctol>MAoMi?MoTTi