THE WAIHI STRIKE.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXII, Issue LXII, 10 June 1912, Page 7

THE WAIHI STRIKE.

DIFFERENCES AMONGST THE

MEN

BY TELEGRAPH -PRESS A.RHOCTATICWI

WAIHI, June 9. The effects of the strike, which has now had a run of four weeks, are marked in every branch of local trade with the exception of the billiard-saloons. The general demeanor of the strikers leaves little to complain about. Notwithstanding their enforced idleness, they show no inclination to make any outward demonstration. Yet it is generally believed that a section of the idlers are discontented, and are out of sympathy with the Federation of Labor. Considerable interest was aroused in the town on Saturday afternoon by a report through the Press Association that W. E. Parry had resigned the vice-presi-dency of the Federation of Labor. The news gave additional zest to the meeting of miners to be held that evening, at which it had been announced that Mr H. C. Webb (president of the Federation of Labor), Mr Parry (vice-presi-dent\ and Mr P. Fraser "(president of the Gene?-al Laborers' Union) were to speak. However, it transpired that there was no truth in the report that Mr Parry had resigned. On Saturday evening a mass meeting was held After Mr Parry, Mr Webb, and others had spoken, it was moved: "That this union endorses the action of the Federation of Labor." An amendment, or direct negative, followed: "That no endorsement of the action of the Federation should be given pending a settlement of the strike." Mr Parry asked the mover of the amendment to withdraw it. adding: "Do not let us have to appeal to you to withdraw the amendment, as \n the event of your being compelled to do so it would go forth that the union has lost confidence in the Federation " Subsequently the amendment was wjthdraivn, and the motion was also withdrawn, some members of the committee pointing out that while not desirous of voting against it. they conld not endorse the whole action *of the veneration.

It «vas said by those in touch with the'reeling o f the men that bad the motion been submitted it would have been defeated.