WORLD OF LABOR.

Clutha Leader, Volume XXXIX, Issue 33, 26 November 1912, Page 6

WORLD OF LABOR.

v ; .AfF,AJRS A?TWAIHI. * ARBITRATIONISUB' MANIFESTO. WAIHI, Nov. 23. Hie following is a summary of the manifesto just issued by the officials of tne new union:—The strike which began on May 13 with farce continued its' uurlesque tor weary months, and reached its stage of tragedy on November 12. Never in the industrail history of iNew Zealand have such unspeakable methods been used* for this regrettable ' affair has been merely a protest against tne desire.of a section of men, who . wished to work under arbitration. These men —the engine-drivers—tried the federation of Laoor, and found it unbalanced and hysterical. They found it lighting political and religious fights, and proved that its system was u»sounct and its texts unreliable. They cut adrift and registered under the Arbitration Act, hence the absurd strike to coerce these men back. No conditions, of wage were at issue. Scores of men made from £4 to £6 per week. Some contractors, drew £J.OO per month. But the die was east. The leaders saw their error, and failed to retreat manfully, and the strike dragged wearily on for weeks. Reckless boycotting of tradespeople, intimidating sympathisers, and the wildest system of lies were perpetrated. Many cases of' violence occurred, but the presence of police kept the irresponsible mob somewhat in check. At last gelignite was used. On Monday, November 11, insulting aggressors ''-drew upon themselves an attack by their victims, but loathsome language to the workers, their wives, and their children continued, and open threats of violence to life and property were indiscriminately hurled at them. The statement describes the events of November 12, and referring to to tiie Miners' Hall attack says that in a brief time the workers revenged the hideous nightmare to which they and their families had for six months been treated. The defeat was sud-

den, dramatic and complete. The tryraimy of months was concluded in a few hours. And now began perhaps the foulest play of the whole affair, the issuing of "manifestoes," and statements so grossly untrue as to be ludicrous, if not damnable. Instead of taking a beating like men every possible lie has been concocted about the workers, the police, and the citizens. Even the matron at the hospital was grossly maligned. Since the rage caused by the shooting has subsided, not an angry word has been spoken, not a blow has been struck. The strikers are now leaving by dozens and declare that they are driven forth; that murder, persecution, pillage, and arson, etc., are rife. -As a matter of fact not a single instance of retribution by Arbitrationists lias been recorded. Those men and women whose mouths were foulest, and their threats loudest, may walk the streets of AVaihi as they would of Auckland. Truly the Wailii strike will be remembered as the most absurd on record, its weapons the foulest and the most cowardly (for women aud even children were put to the front). On the other hand the citizens, police, engine-drivers, and Arbitrationists have come out clean-handed and unstained, and no man can point at them the linger of reproach.

POSITION AT REEFTON. REEFTON. Nov. 23

The agreement between the -Miners' Union and the Consolidated Goldheids and other mines has been registered under the Arbitration Court, ilie matter ol placing tlie men at work is proceeding slowly. Several contracts Have been let ami tne men are at work, but owing to tne stoppage ot strike pay and many men not getting contracts some aie feeling a very tight pinch. Arrangements regarding me contracts are proceeding iairly wen, but naturally some dissatisraction exists in the ranks oi unsuccessful tenderers. At a meeting of the -Miners' Union to-day some plan to stop undercutting or prices was devised. Men are pouring in from all sides expecting immediate work, but are disappointed, and will liave to wait till the contracts are out. In the meantime there is not an empty house at Kcefton. Men are going out to tne i'rogress mines alter nearly a year oi stagnation there.