AFFAIRS AT WAIHI.

Evening Star, Issue 14999, 5 October 1912, Page 6

AFFAIRS AT WAIHI.

THE POSITION TO-DAY. FEDERATIONISTS LOSING GROUND. [Special to the Star.] October 5. Nothing out of the ordinary occurred along the line of route taken by workers this morning as they were conveyed in brakes to the mine under police escort. The crowds have considerably diminished, and the cheering which greets the men on the way to work is fully equal to the more hostile demonstration. A pleasing feature of the proceedings is the loyalty of the majority of the schoolboys, who march in squad formation with flags flying and the light of battle in their eye. 'Not till the hooting commences do they open out with lusty British cheers to the full extent of their lungs. As the Waihi Company's train, laden with workers, steamed into the mine siding shortly before 8 this morning it was gTeeted with salvos of cheers from one section and hoots from another, principally women. The engine, as it negotiated the crossing, tooted out in sound language "Hip, hip, hooray," which to a great extent disconcerted the opposition, and caused much amusement. When the workers disembarked they were led up the track to the mine by'one of their number carrying a flag.. They also cheered lustilv as the train drew up 'to its destination. Six more workers from Waildno and two local men were put on at the nine this morning, and it is understood that Monday will see an 'additional number sign on. There now seems to be no doubt that the company will be in a position to go ahead with operations. The officials express confidence in this respect. The police took two names this morning, presumably for objectionable coiiduct as the brakes passed by. No doubt some offenders will figure "in the Magistrate's Court on Tuesday next.

The position at Waikino in regard to opposing factions has now been reversed, for instead of the federationists being in the majority, as heretofore, the arbitrationists now outnumber them by five to one, and no longer do the latter'fulfil the role of the hunted. Over 80 arbitrationists are now in residence at Waikino.

A feature of this morning's proceedings was the erection of a flagpole and the hoisting of a large Union Jack on the top of the poppet heads at the Waihi Company's No. 4 shaft. A crowd waiting at the foot of the main roadway leading to the Waihi mine were outwitted this morning by the police, who landed the first brakeload of workers at another track some distance away. Those entering the main street this morning were surprised to see a Union Jack flying from the truck of the flagpole over the Miners' Union Hall. The explanation given was that the union are not fighting the Flag, but are engaged in an industrial dispute. The replacing of the torn and debased flag came as an agreeable surprise to many. It is understood that the. men coming into town from other parts are demanding strike pay, the penalty for refusal being that they wall proceed; to work. It is reported that a mine employeo residing half a mile from town proceeded- to work this morning without police patrol. He was followed by about 50 men and women, who hooted and jostled him. He was also the recipient of several eggs which came hurtling through, the air." The wife of a. prominent mining contractor now engaged at the Waihi mine, in answer to a question in regard to the possible conversion of her husband by strike pickets, said: "If thev wait till he gives in, they will have to wait till the crack of doom." In explanation of the rehoisting of the Union Jack overthe Miners' Union Hall this morning, it reported that failing the replacement of the torn flag a large "number of members of the union (not Socialists) would resign. It is stated that seven members had already withdrawn. The acting superintendent at the Grand Junction mine states that applications for work are being received, and that work at the power house plant will be resumed on Monday. NEW UNION GAINING STRENGTH. [Special to thk Star.] WAIHf, October 5. Interviewed this morning, the secretary of the new union stated that applications for membership were, exceeding all expectations. An extra batch was expected on Monday and right through next week. The office is now being opened durinc the evening. A GBUESOME EMBLEM.~ [Per United Phess Association.] WAIHI. October 5. Hayes, one of three miners injured by the falling of timber at the Woodstockmine shaft yesterday, has practically recovered. The condition of the other two (Johnston and. White) is .serious. Strikers have adopted an extraordinary method of intimidating would-be workers. In one instance a box painted black, representincr a coffin, and bearing an inscription "Waihi cemetery won't -hold you," was left on an arbitrationist's verandah. The man had intended resuming work, but the sight of the imitation coffin sent him back into his house.