THE WEST COAST MINING DISPUTE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVII, Issue 8374, 30 September 1890, Page 5

THE WEST COAST MINING DISPUTE.

[BY TELEGRAPH.PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Wellington, Monday. Twelve other constables left for the West Coast this afternoon, and were accompanied by Colonel Hume, Commissioner of Police.

A Melbourne contemporary has the follow* ing on the agitation being raised to open art galleries, etc., on Sundays : —"An interesting, not to say amusing, contribution to the literature of the Sunday question has been made by Mr. Hancock, of the Trades' iri all. Mr. Trenwith is demanding, with all the authority of ' a representative of labour,' that the art gallery, etc., shall ba opened on Sunday; and in the debate in tne House a letter was read from Mr. Hancock, bluntly denying that the working men of the city are with Mr. Trenwith on this subject. Mr. Hancock says 'In a country where the eight hour system is in vogue, there is no necessity for the national art treasures to be on view upon Sundays. I feel sure that if a plebiscite could be taken upon the subject, the Sunday liberationists (?) would be signally defeated. No notice should be taken of the so-called public meetings, as oppositionists wer« not 'allowed the privilege of a hearing. I wrote to the chairman of the Town Hall meeting (Mr. Justice Williams) asking to be allowed tho opportunity of speaking against the movement. His Honor failed in his duty as a gentleman by omitting to reply to my request. This, in my opinion, speaks volumes. With the platform full of the shining lights and all the oratorical talent which a shady cause can always command, the voice of a working man pleading -for his day of res* was not permitted to be heard. Although a labour representative is bringing the matter under the notice of the Assembly, it must not je supposed that the working men of Victoria are in accord nth his religious views. It is the voice of the wharf and the Hall of Science that you are invited to listen to. The remainder of the commandments arc just as irksome to the agitators, and the Assembly will be invited to abolish them in detail. Do all you can to defend the working man's Sunday, and you will command the gratitude and respect of all toilers.' Mr. Hancock's letter sparkles and*pierces like a rapier; but it has, in addition, genuine public value. It proves that the better minds of the working classes are utterly opposed to ,Mr. Trenwith'a motion, arid quite understand its antiChristian inspiration."