THE ENGINEERS' STRIKE.

Auckland Star, Volume XXVIII, Issue 255, 3 November 1897, Page 2

THE ENGINEERS' STRIKE.

(To the Editor.)

Si rj _What has become of the workers of Auckland, and where are all our Liberal leaders and reformers who so frequently prate about "the brotherhood of man' and shed crocodile tears over the miseries of the toiling masses ? Do genuine workers at least not know that their kith and km across the sea are engaged in a fearful conflict? Are they not aware that those engaged in the engineers' strike at Home are confronted with a formidable foe, well equipped with all the sinews of war, and whose chief engine of slaughter is the almighty dollar? And do Auckland workers not know that their comrades at Home are being sorely pressed by their unrelenting enemy? The workers of Christchurch turned out in their thousands on Sunday week, and gave solid proof of their practical sympathy with their brothers in battle array. The popular Anglican Bishop of Christchurch, the Right Rev. Dr. Julius, was one of the lirst to supply the munitions of war in the shape of a substantial cheque, and other worthy citizens followed His Lordship's noble-souled lead. Wellington also held a mass meeting on Saturday evening- last, at which members of Parliament and other public men took a prominent part in devising means to succour those who are in sore distress. And shall it be said that Auckland—the Queen City of the North—the very cradle of all the good we now enjoy—the cradle which was so tenderly and devotedly guarded by our own great tribun,e of the people, Sir George Grey ; shall it be said that Auckland has no heart to pity, or no hand to help, those who aie so courageously struggling for right and justice ?

Hark, a wail comes o'er the ocean, Hear you not the tramp of men ? Look you not without emotion On the fearful flood they stem 3

Lift thine eyes ! behold thy brother Bravely, nobly, face the storm, Battling for a wife or mother. Near ones, dear ones, all forlorn.

Hear you not their cry of anguish, Weighted 'neath a flood of gold 2 Will you see them suffer, languish ? Help them break the tyrants' hold. Workers of Auckland ! 'Tis time for you to "be up and doing." The banner of your'comrades is unfurled to the breeze emblazoned with the heroic nio'tto of " No Surrender."—l am, etc.,