THE WAIHI STRIKE MASS MEETINGS IN AUCKLAND

Evening Post, Volume LXXXIV, Issue LXXXIV, 23 September 1912, Page 2

THE WAIHI STRIKE MASS MEETINGS IN AUCKLAND

PROCESSION TO THE GAOL. [BI MtiaBAPH— PftBSS ASSOCIATION. J AUCKLAND, 22nd.' September. Last evening a crowd of some 5000 gathered at the Grey Statue, where several hundred members of the Federation of Labour were addressed by three or four of their leaders, including Mr. Semple. The speakers impressed "upon the men that they must keep within the bounds of law and order and hot do anything which could lead the authorities to take action against, or to cause the public to lose sympathy with their movements. The leaders then formed the men into a procession and, led by a lorry and with much cheering, 'the crowd proceeded to Mount Edeu Gaol. A heavy shower of rain presently thinned the crowd clown to about 2000, and these gathered at the gaol gates, and were again addressed by the Federation leaders. The large majority of the two thousand people consisted of spectators, many of whom were residents of the locality. The proceedings were very orderly, .and a resolution was passed which read : "That this mass meeting of workers enters its emphatic protest against the imprisonment of tho Waihi strikers, and if necessary will cease work until they are released, and, further, that the time is ripe for such action." After, a great deal of cheering and booing the crowd quietly dispersed. This afternoon another demonstration in protest was held at the Grey Statue. It is estimated that about twelve thousand were present, most >whom, however, i were merely curious spectators. Speeches were given by Mr. Semple and others, the proceedings being orderly. A resolution was carried demanding the release of the strikers and pledging those voting to act hi whatever way might be necessary to bring their release about. An amendment, calling on the watersiders to "go out" on .Monday morning, was not carried. As far as could be seen only those in close proximity to the statue voted on the motion and amendment. A meeting of protest will be held by workers in the Opera House to-night. TIMARU PROTEST. TIMAJRU, 22nd September. From three to four hundred people attended an open-air meeting this afternoon at whicn two waterside workers spoke on the aims of the Federation of Labour and the causes of the Waihi strike from a Federation viewpoint. A protest against the gaoling and a demand for the release of the prisoners was put and carried, about a hundred voting for it and very few against. An amendment declining vo express an opinion was noi seconded. /