In Australia.

Maoriland Worker, Volume 2, Issue 72, 26 July 1912, Page 3

In Australia.

Assistance Forthcoming.

LETTER FROM P. H. HICKEY.

1 arrived in Sydney a week ago today alter a stormy.passage across the Ta'sman Sea. For two days the wind blew and the sea roared as it seldom blows or roars. Men and women hid themselves from view, and in the privacy of their cabins pondered upon the joys of the sea. They weren't sick. Oh, no! "Just a sligbt headache, you know." However, we sighted land iit last. Many and fervent were the paeans of praise of returning Australians on sighting their native land after an absence in "damp and dismal Now Zealand." Mentally, I lodged a protest against this rank heresy.

Upon arrival in Sydney, where I was welcomed by many New Zealand friend,*, I visited tUie Trades Hall, and made application to the secretary to address the Trades and Labor Council. Later, I got into communication with tho Northern, Southern and Western Miners' Federations; also in touch with the A.M.A. of Cobar.

I met our old friend' Peter Bowling, who gladly rendered all assistance- in his power to make the initial stages of my visit a success. I had not seen Peter for over three years, but found him more robust-looking than when saddled with the responsibilities of office as President of the Northern Miners.

Thursday evening I addressed tho Trades Council. There must have been 200 delegates present. 1 received a most attentive hearing, and at the conclusion was accorded a hearty vote of thanks. In speaking to tho vote of thanks, the President (T. Miller, Storemen's Union) said that the New Zealand Federation of Labor could rest assured that the Sydney unionists would not bo behind in rendering financial aid to the men involved. The matter was referred to tho Executive to report to the Council on t'ho following Thursday. Friday I proceeded to Newcastle, where it had liecn arranged that I should meet tho Miners' Executive. The Prescient (D. Watson) was absent, but the officials, including Treasurer Lewis and Secretary Brcnnan, were in attendance. During the discussion that ensued it transpired that all of those present in tho room, with one exception, were ex-convicts, each having done his "bit" in consequence of the big coal strike. This fine organisation is also confronted with internal dissension. In certain centres the wheelers are forming separate unions. Then the shiftmen, roadmen, etc., aro forming other unions. It is quite possible that drastic action will have to bo taken to prevent this suicidal policy continuing. It is reported that the coal-owners recognise that it is better to deal with one organisation than half a dozen, and for that reason are not welcoming these other tinpot organisations. The Northern Federation, in addition to voting £200, aro striking a levy. The lodges are now deciding whether it shall be 3d. or Gd. per week. I returned to Sydney on Sunday morning. On Monday I addressed tho Seamen's Union and United Laborers' Union, and interviewed the rockchoppers. Tho Seamen's Union unanimously agreed to render all tho assistance in its power to tho men involved. The President (J. Maclntyre) is a New Zealander. Secretary Tom Walsh is a sterling fighter for a straight deal. Tho United Laborers also unanimously agreed to render financial aid. The rockchoppers assured mo that their union would not be behind in the matter.

From present indications the unions on this side will respond liberally. With equal success in Victoria and South Australia, the case for the Mine-owners' Association will look vcrv blue indeed.

President Webb is duo to arrive tomorrow morning. Arrangements are made for him to proceed to the South Coast and Lithgow. I return to Newcastle and after addressing a series of meetings, will visit Cobar. Then for the South.

In t'hc meantime everyone is saying, "Go to Broken Hill.'' I'm going. July 10, 1012.