ON THE WEST COAST

Evening Post, Volume LXXXVI, Issue 146, 17 December 1913, Page 8

ON THE WEST COAST

PREPARATIONS AT GREYMOUTH 600 SPECIAL CONSTABLES, (IT TBLEOItiPH—SPECIAL TO TUB POST.) GREYMOUTH, 16th December. The Greymouth watersiders held a further meeting in connection with the present industrial crisis this morning. After discussing the matter fully it was resolved to declare the strike off so far as the old union is concerned. Before the matter can be settled it is necessary that notice of motion should be given to declare the strike off, and this having been given to-day, a special meeting of the members of the oW union is being held to-morrow morning to confirm the resolution. It is probable that when notice of the registration of the new Arbitration Union is received here members of the striking union will apply for enrolment in the new one. It is expected that word will be received here during the day stating that the registration of ' the new union is completed. It is understood that a protest has been sent by the old union against the new union being registered, as the old union's registration has not yet been cancelled, the latter having worked under an Arbitration Court award up to the time of the strike. About 600 speciaj constables have been summoned from different parts of the district. Those of this number who reside in Greymouth have received intimation to attend at the Courthouse tomorrow morning at 10.30 o'clock to take the oath which provides that their services will be required "for' the preservation of the public peace and for the protection of the'inhabitants and the security of property within the Greymouth district until the 31st December, 1913." The penalty for disobeying the summons is not to exceed £5. A steamer left Auckland for Grey direct yesterday, and should reach here to-morrow. She brings a cargo of sugar. SWEARING-IN BEGINS REMARKS BY MAGISTRATE. GREYMOUTH, This Day. About 300 specials were sworn in at the Courthouse to-day. The Magistrate (Mr. Hewitt) said steps were being taken to open the port, aiid men who desired to -work were quite right to ask for protection. It was not anticipated there would be trouble, but in other places in the absence of species, opportunity had been seized, perhaps by irresponsibles, to cause trouble. Further batches -will be sworn in tomorrow. To-day there were four objectors—three on account of business men at Brunnerton and one on conscientious grounds. Two objectors took the oath on the assurance of the Magistrate that they -would not be called unless circumstances warranted the -whole of the specials being called out. Those refusing to take the oath ■will be dealt with to-morrow. Altogether it is expected 700 or 800 •will be enrolled. 2.40 p.m. The Holmdale is in the roadstead, and has been- signalled to take the bar. She will arrive in a few minutes, but will not be worked till to-morrow.