MR BARCLAY AND HIS CONSTITUENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIII, Issue 22, 27 January 1902, Page 2

MR BARCLAY AND HIS CONSTITUENTS.

MEETING OF WORKERS. (By Cable.—Press Association.—

Copyright.)

DUNEDTN, Saturday.

Mr Barclay endeavoured to fret a meeting- this miornin<g' of the Hillside workshop hands afc the yards at knock-off time, but the manager refused to give permission. Mr Barclay asked the men to assemble in a paddock over the road. About two-thirds of the men assembled, appointing- as chairman the workshops foreman, who called upon one. of the oldest hands, the head turner, to propose a resolution: "That this meeting- desire to express confidence in the Christian statesmanship of Mr Chamberlain, with special reference to his wnr policy. The motion was duly seconded and carried with cheers. Then a number of the hands ran across a Union Jack attached to poles, and held it in front of Mr Barclay, saying: "Let him see it," and struck up the National Anthem, which was sung- very heartily, after which the chairman proposed (which was also carried): "That this meeting- considers ample opportunity has been given Mr Barclay throug-h'the press to'utter his unpatriotic opinions ion the war, and to offer his infamous criticism on the Imperial Government and British statesmen, and the. time has arrived when this loyal community should refuse to listen any further to his traitorous utterances." The chairman then declared the meeting- closed. About 65, who were seated'behind him, heard Mr Barclay IVve a quarter of an hour's address, the burden of which was that he approved the despatch of the contingent, and consistently praised the valour of British soldiers, but objected to the action of politicans. No further motion was proposed, and the meeting- disintegrated.