THE MASS MEETING.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIII, Issue 214, 6 September 1912, Page 5

THE MASS MEETING.

MR. PARRY DOES NOT SAY MUCH. " THE WIRELESS " SYSTEM. (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) WAIHI. this day. There were about 200 present at the mass meeting. Mr. W. E. Parry presided and explained that, on account of a cold, he could not say much to the men, but anyone desiring information should apply to the union office. In any case, if he desired to speak, it was inadvisable on account of the now notorious "wireless" system of leakage regarding union meetings. Continuing, he eaid it was'quite lawful for the strikers to have a little recreation in any way they liked — walking, running, or even riding about. The Government had cent extra police to incite the men to violence., so that the Government could amend the law. The speaker advised the men to dis- ; band when advised to do so by any member of the Strike Committee. He stated that of twenty arbitrationists at Waikino all except two were local. It was resolved that no more clearances or permits to work be given unless granted by the Strike Committee. A motion that a protest be sent to the Premier against the police being sent to Waihi lapsed for want of a seconder. An interjector said that the mover of the motion should not complain of the police on account of the number of his fowls that had been stolen. Mr. Parry, in the course of his remarks, stated that the police had the greatest respect for himself, and the vicepresident (Mr. McLennan), as they were now allowed to get into the railway yards in spite of the by-law. It was reported that the strikers at Waikino were doing good work in spite of the autocracy of the police. Notice was received of the Registrar's approval of the rescinding of the union rule requiring three days' advertised notice being given of meetings. Seen after the meeting, the president (Mr. Parry) said he had nothing to report. His attitude regarding the follow-ing-up tactics is that it is a mischievous relaxation of the strikers after a long period of idleness. The union is definitely opposed to violence or molestation of any kind. Heavy rain has been falling in Waihi from an early hour this morning. There were continuous showers throughout yesterday afternoon, and in the early part of the evening thunder storms were experienced. The weather no doubt had a marked infraence on the tactics adopted by the strikers, who so far have contented ttamselwa with a spasmodic following up of engiiedrivers. Last night there was no movement of any kind in town* There is a growing feeling that the unavoidable division of police vigilance between Waihi and Waikino renders the force inadequate, it being recognised that protection for the enginedrivers in the , former glace and anti-Federa*»nirt| is

the latter place is necessary. It is understood that the police themselves feel this drawback, and it has been suggested that the Waihi company could materially assist in this direction by concentrating at Waihi all the labour they are now engaging. Then, it is contended, there would be one plain issue, the crisis would be brought to a head, and a termination of the trouble would assuredly follow. It is understood that the Borough Council at a meeting last evening endorsed the action of citizens and drivers in petitioning the Premier for adequate police protection and the introduction of legislation with a view to terminating the strike.