THE STRIKE IN NEW ZEALAND

New Zealand Times, Volume LI, Issue 9107, 2 October 1890, Page 2 (Supplement)

THE STRIKE IN NEW ZEALAND

ITS ASPECT DAY BY DAY.

The f«llowiu(4 U a condensation of tho various aspects of the strike ca it appeared in Wellington since tho publication of our last Sammar |p,iDAY, SEPTEMBER G. The Shipwrights’ Union have resolved not to do any more work for tho Union Company daring the present dispute. Mr Daniels, who has been a member of the Union for several years, and who is in the service of the Union Company, has seoeced from the Union in consequence of their action. At the special meeting of the Knights ot Labour on Wednesday night tho Knights certified that the Wellington Assembly of the order had ns yet taken no act or part whatever in tho strikes now going on in the organisations under the jurisdiction of the Councils, and that there was no federation of the order with any other labour organisation. They declared that their principles advocated arbitration. It was resolved to call on every member to use his best endeavours to persuade employers and employed to proceed to arbitration wi.bont delay, and th-t the warmest syrnpatny oi the Assembly be given to tho Maritime Connoil and other Unions associated with hem in the present struggle. A vote of censure wss passed upon the Union Steam Ship Company for joining the Shipowners Association and upon the conduct o( those men who, being financial members, have not obeyed the call out by tne Executive of thoir Unions, and steps are to be taken to prevent them joining any Assembly of the Knights of Labour. Tho storemen at Messrs Sargood, Son, and Ewen’s. Wilkins and Field’s, F. Hayman and Co.’s, and J. Myers’ stores have mined the strikers. The places of several of the men employed by Messrs Turnbull and Co., who struck on Wednesday, have been filled by non-Union labourers. Tho firm received a largo number of applications lor employment a few hoars after tho men left. The other firms will also employ non-Umon labourers in place of the men who have gopn out. The Railway Commissioners, in reply to various queries, supply the following information Railway employes are engaged subject to the following rules among others : —5. Every officer and servant of the Railway Department shall devote himself exclusively to the service with zeal and fidelity, whether his duties are specified or not : he shall attend at snob hours as may be prescribed, and consider himself on duty when on the lino or at a station, although It moy not bo his regular time of attendance ; ho most reside at whatever place may be appointed, and bo subject to removal as required by tho service ; keep his immediate superior officer informed of bis address, giving due notice of any change In the same,; obey promptly all the Instructions ho may receive from the officer under whoso immediate control he is, and persons placed in authority over him, and repair to any part of the line where he may bo ordered. Ho shall conform to all the by-laws and regulations, and nse his beat exertions to exact obedience to the bylaws by passengers aod others, and not suffer anything to bo done whereby the Department may suffer loss or damage. He shall constantly bear in mind that hla first and most important duty is to provide for the safety of the public. 19. Every person employed on the railway will (as far as practicable) have hla ordinary specific duties assigned to him, bat the Government retain tho right to assign to suoh person the per. formance of any other duties whioh tho business of the Department may tender necessary. Under rale 19 it has been a common practice for many years past to call on the permanent way men to handle goods upon emergencies. The Commissioners are giving permanent employment to those who replace men who have declined duty. . . Tho ranks of the strikers were moroased yesterday by the wharf carters and expressmen, who have decided not to do any more carting until the strike is ended. Early in the day tho men withdrew their vehicles from the stands, and what little traffic there was was carried on by non-Unionists and volunteers. Mr Curtis, the well-known carrier, assisted by his sons, were engaged during tho afternoon in conveying a quantity of sugar from tho Southern Cross, which was the only vessel discharging at the wharf, to Messrs Turnbull and Oo.’s warehouse. Private carts and drays, driven by clerks and others, were used for the conveyance of goods in other parts of the oity.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6. The town, aa fur as business went, yesterday was in a state of stagnation. The oondnot o{ the men on strike :a moat praiseworthy. Notwithstanding the faot that there ore aome 800 of tbem idle, compare. tively very few were seen in the streets, and bo fat aa we oan learn not a single o«e of drnnkonneaa Is reported irnong the atrikera. The Railway Commissioners atate that little or no difficulty la l'onnd in filling up the vaoanoles at Lyttelton caused by the dismissal of 44 of their men at that port. A sufficiency of non-Unioniata have come forward, and from them the beat men have been seleoted. Although new men have been put on to work, no demonstration baa taken place, nor have the con-Unionista been molested in any way. The following ia a list of marine offioera who have joined the Shipmasters' Aesooiatlon of New Zealand :—Captains —A, S. Kennedy, J. Grant, George Lambert, P. Nordatrum, Walter Manning, Edwin Phillips, 3. 0. Arthur, "William Waller, Felix Black, James Eyan, J. Berneoh, J. Moadeß, J. Adams, J. W. Miltman, W. North, F. Viokerman, M. E. Fraser, Jaa. Campbell, G. Eobb (hon member), T. Logan, J. Molntoah, E. Apatein, E. Harvoy, James "Wills, A. Chambers, Robert Strang, John Anderson, George Eomerill, A H. Sargent, J. Atrams, 0. Bonner, J Lays, 0. W. Todd, U. W. H. Chat, field, K. E. Smith, G. MoDonald, i. Gibb, McLeod, Pearee, A. S. Ewen, R. Spinka.'E. Wheeler, W. D. Dawson, Watt. Chief Offioera—H. McLean, Geo. S. Key. worth, Nioholaß Wood, Alfred S. Moys, Alfred Phillips, L. Worral, A. Sutherland, W. MoNeill, H. Hudson, Norman Beaumont, E. 3. Seivret (hon member), Jarman, C. Huggina, H. A. Rutter (hon member), F. M. Dicker, J. Morgan. Second Offioera —S. A. Reay, Dewburat, Malcolm Livingstone, E. Shaw (hon member), "W. H. Heard (hon member), Crotty (hon member). Third Officer —G. A. Sparka (hon member). Fourth Officer Robert "White (bon member), and Mr G. JForba. This list inoludes all the oaptaina of the Union Steamship Company's vessels now on the New Zealand coast, and it is understood that theoaptaina of the same Company's ateamera now in the ports of Australia are in favour of the formation of the Association. It ia estimated that there are now between 700 and 800 men on strike in Wellington. A Rangitikei farmer has written to the looal manager of the Union Company, stating that should the batohers strike be would do all that lay In his power to assist In sending meat to the steamers. He could, with the co operation of a few other farmera, supply the Company at the market price with about 000 or 1000 good sheep. He also offers to procure plenty of free labour from the flax mills, and he states that there are a great number of old sailors amongst the men at the mills who would oome. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8. The Premier, who, at the suggestion of some of the labour party, endeavoured to eft'eot a settlement of the present difficulty, has withdrawn from that position, for the present at any rate. Sir Harry went into the matter during the latter part of last week, bat did not find that his efforts to mediate were likely to bo successful just now, and accordingly abandoned the idea. The poor state of his health would also hamper bim in any exertion of this kind. Tt is very probable that the members of the Maritime Counoil will meet in Welling, ton during the week, and that if they do they will have a conference with the Hon George MoLean with a view to a settlement.

We aro informed that Wellington baa been tbo worst of all the porta to work from the Union Company’s point of view, owing to the scarcity of labour, but the Company do not anticipate any farther difficulty in despatching their steamers, A meeting of the newly-formed Shipmasters’ Association was held at Messrs Baker Brothers’ auction rooms on Saturday afternoon. Captain Edwin was elected VicePresident. On the motion of Captain Kennedy, Captain Strang was appointed Permanent Secretary at a remuneration of £SO per annum. It was stated that several of the officers belonging to the Union Steam Ship Company hud returned to their vessels. Captain Edwin said it. was to him a matter of great regret that so many officers who had been connected with the Company bad left throngh being mis directed. It was, however, pleasant to know that some of them at least had- found out their mistake, and wero returning to their ships. On the motion of Captain Campbell, seconded by Captain Eraser, it was carried unanimously, That as several of the officers who ate members of this Association have returned to their ships and resumed their duties, this meeting desires to express its hearty approval of the step they have taken.’’ Captain Edwin thought that if tho Assooiation was to be a success it would bs necessary to form branches in the other chief ports of tbo Colony. The secretary was therefore instructed to communicate with Captain Andrew, of Auckland, and Captain Owen, of Lyttelton, to ascertain their views on the subject. Attersomn farther business of a routine nature the meeting adjourned. The enm of £SO was paid away on Saturday by the general committee of the Federated Trade Unions to relieve soma of the moat urgent cases amongst the men on strike.

The Railway Commissioners have issued the following circular to their employes : “The Railway Commissioners have found with regret that eome of their employes have been persuaded to act recklessly and foolishly in disobeying orders, and that they have broken faith by refusing to observe the rules of their engagement. The Commissioners desire to remind all their employes that the only condition on whioh they can be employed as public servants on the Government railways is that they strictly pbey the rales and regulations made under

tho authority of tho laws of tbo Colony. Those employe* who cannot conscientiously continue to obey the rules are ad vised to give notice In \ proper and orderly manner, and to resign their places. Those who, as heretofore, do their duty as public servants faithfully and loyally will have the entire support aud assistance of the Commissioners in any difficulties which may arise.”

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9. Mr J. R. Blair presided over a large meeting of members of the Employers Association, held at tho Chamber of Com merce yesterday morning. The meeting was unanimous as to the course to bo taken by the Association, and the following resolu* tions wore carried unanimously :—-1. That this meeting pledges itself to retain the free labour now employed by those present, and that as regards vacancies in their establishments they will employ such labour as they require without regard to its being UniOList or free. 2. That as toon as the committee has considered a scheme on tho lines of that promulgated in Napier, a meeting shall be called by advertisement of all employers of labour. Following is a list of the members of the Association : -J. R. Blair, K. Hannah, W. and G. Turnbull and Co., Union Steam Ship Co., W. Cable and Co., Loan and Mercantile, A. Irndsay, Levin and Co,, Kirkcaldie and Stains, E. W. Mills and Co., Sargood, Son and Ewcn, James Smith, John Duthie and Co,, Laery and Co., Bannatyne and Co., Cuningbam and Badbam, Stewart and Co., Waddell, McLeod and Weir, Kompthorno, Prosser and Co., Luke and Sons, Rouse and Harrell, Robertson and Co., E. Seagar, Crabtree and Sons, Aitkon, Wilson and Co., E. Barber, Johnston and Co., J. Beck, C. Smith, Veitch and Allan, S. Danks and Son, Thompson and Co.,Barry and McDowell, A. Compton, J. T. Glover, J. Russell, J. Wilson, M, Murdoch, Tusbin Bros, Wilkins and Field, Nelson, Moafceaod Co., Bock aud Co,, J. E, Nathan and Co,, Brown, Thompson and Co., P. Hayman and Co,, Kitchen and Sons (Limited), E» J. Riddiford, J. Myers and Co,, A. Scoullar, J» E. Hayes, W. Wiggins, Littlejohn and Son, B. Brown, G. Thomas aud Co. Yesterday tbo crews of the Wakatu and Queen of tho South j Dined the strikers. Tho men on tho Wakatu, who had given notice when the vessel was in Lyttelton, left about noon, and the crew of tho Queen of tho South came out in the evening. Several of the clerks la Messrs Levin and Co.'s and a few non-Unionists were engaged, during the afternoon in unloading tho Wakatu. There was a general impression yesterday that the orews on the other coastal steamers would be called out as they came into port.

Daring tho greater part of yesterday a large crowd assembled outside the barrier oa the Queen's Wharf, and tho non-Unionists men, who had occasion to pass through, had rather a lively time of it. One of the nonUnionists, who is employed on board the Penguin, was jostled by the crowd, and prevented from going down the wharf. Ho eventually retreated up the wharf, aud was followed into Panama street by a number of men, and an eye witness informs na that several of tbe men struck him. A nonUnionist carter, in the employ of Messrs CottrelUand Co., who was proceeding down tho Wharf with a trolly, was hustled by a number of people, and had to retreat into his employers' office. The crowd withdrew one of the llnoh pins of the trolly, but Mr Cottrell then appeared and prevented further damage being done. Captain J. C. Cooper, while passing down tbe Wharf during tbe morning, was also hustled about by theorowd. A number of men were standing about the barrier when the non*Uniouiat hands in tho employ of the Harbour Board knocked off at 5 o’clock, bub beyond a little harmless chaff, there was no demonstration on the part of the men.

Keoently a statement was published to the effect that a number of Maoris were oomiag to Wellington to work as non-Unionists. Wo now loam that Sir George Groy has been in oorumanieation with the chiefs, who had promised this assistance, with the result that the Natives have indicated that they will not take any part at all in the labonr struggle. The following letter, which has been forwarded to u», explains itself :—'• Referring to an interview we had with Mr Carter on the 4th inst. as to whether the statement was correct that the Natives had joined the capitalists, we beg to atato that we, the chiefs and members of the Ngatikohnngunn tribe. In the Wairarapa district, have joined neither party, thongh we earnestly hope that the present dispute between capital and labour will be shortly arranged to the satisfaction of all oonoerned. Signed—Piripi Te Maarl, H. T. K. Whatahoro, Tamitl Apatn, H. I. Tunuiarangl, Hum Te Hiaro. .Royal Hotel, Wellington, September 8." The strike will, of oourse, have a considerable effeot on the finances of the Government for the onrreut year. It is estimated, however, that if the diffioulty is settled in the coarse of a week or two the revenue will not suffer materially. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER- 10. The Boilermakers' Union held a meeting in Fraser's rooms last night, and passed the following resolutions : —"That the members of the Boilermakers' Union will do no work conneoted with any of the Union Company's boats nor any other boat employing free labour." A "round robin " was signed by every member present giving efjfeot to the resolution, whioh will be presented to Mr Cable this morning. A vjte of censure was passed on the engineers and fitters la the various oity workshops for the action they have taken.

When the Tongariro was bronght alongside the Queen's Wharf yesterday morniDg the crew were asked if they would have any objcation to discharging the cargo. In reply the men Baid they had no desire to cotno in contact with the men on strike, and therefore tbey would prefer not to touch the cargo. About twenty men were then engaged to do tho work by the looal representatives of the New Zealand Shipping Company. Two of tho large hydraulio cranes were used in discharging the oargo, and very fair progress was made during the afttrnoon. The Bteamer is expected to got away on Saturday. A slight disturbance occurred on the wharf yesterday morning in consequence of Mr Adams, a clerk in the Union Company's office, attempting to take a non. Unionist hand on board the steamer Omapere. The crowd assembled outside the barrier prevented Mr Adams and the non-Union man from passing through, and eventually they wero obliged to beat a retreat. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11. It is probable that one rosult of the prosent difficulty will be the disaffiliation from tho Maritime Counoil of a number of Unions at present affiliated, and that the Council will only control tho wharf labourers, sea. men, and miners. A difficulty ocourred yesterday morning in connection with the shipping of frozen meat on board the New Zealand Shipping Company's cargo steamer Duke of WestmiDster. About 500 sheep were slaughtered at the Wellington Meat Export Company's yards at Ngauranga on Tuesday, and arrangements wero made with Mr T. Munt, the well-known carrier, to convey the carcases to the steamer, where tlioy are to be frozen. Union men wore employed to do the carting, and yesterday morning three lorries conveying 330 caroaseß wero brought in from the yards, but, owing to non. Unionists being employed by the Harbour Board, tho drivers, on reaobing towo, were ordered not to takerhe meat on the Wharf. After standing outside the Company's office for some time, the lorries were removed to the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Company's warehouse, in order that the meat might not suffer from exposure to the sun. The difficulty was eventually got over by Mr Munt dtivlng the lorries down the Wharf to the ship's side, where the meat was taken on board by two master stevedores, who do not belong to any Union, and the crew of the Bteamer then stowed it in the freezing ohambers. Yesterday another 500 sheep were killed at the Meat Company's yards, but no arrangements have been made as yet for conveying the oarcases to tho steamer. The Gear Meat Company are freezing eheep for the steamer. The work of disoharglng the cargo from the Tongariro was carried out yeßterday by the seamen and firemen of the steamer, who will receive the usual remuneration for suoh work. The non-Unionists who were engaged in unloading the steamer on the previous day were of course withdrawn.

The labour party yesterday withdrew the piokcts who have been doing duty on the Queen's Wharf. The Harbour Board tally clerks and oonstables were stationed at the barrier during yesterday afternoon and evoning. The Union Company have between 4000 and 5000 tonß of coal io stock in Wellington. The Union Company have received an offer from Japan to supply their steamers with coal to be delivered within 30 days. The Direotora of the Company have not yet considered the matter. FRIDAY, SEPfEMBER 12. A STREET MELEE. NON-UNIONIST LABOURERS ATTACKED. An unfortunate accident happened on board the steamer Australia yesterday afternoon, us the result of a quarrel between a Union man and a non-Unionist, the former sustaining rather serious injuries. It appears that at about a quarter-past 4 a young man named William Henry Qerrard went on board the vessel and used an inBulting expression towards a yonng man named Robert Allan, who is well known in Wellington, and who has been employed on the Union Company's steamers during the strike. Allan requested Gerrard not to repeat the expression, but the latter, who in the opinion of eye witnesses seemed bent on picking a quarrel, - repeated the expression, and then struck Allan, who immediately retaliated. The quarrel took place a few feet from the after hatch, and when Allan struok Gerrard the latter fell baokward over the comb, toga of the hatch to the bottom of the hold, a distance of about seventeen feet. Whether he tripped over a pieoo of Iron piping, however, or was knookod over by the forge of the blow there is

some doubt. Gerrard was rendered unconscious by the fall, and as he lay motionless at the bottom of the hold it was feared that he was fatally injured, but this, happily, did not prove to be the case. He was at once brought on deck and Dr Henry sent for. In the meantime the injured man, who had received a wound on the head from which the blood flowed freely, was attended by the stewards of the steamer and placed on the skylight of the cabin. Dr Henry arrived shortly after, and he at once dressed the wound on Gerrard's head, which was about an iooh la length, aud also bandaged him up. Dr Henry then advised tbe removal of Gerrard to the Hospital, whither he was conveyed. After the accident Allan made the following statement with reference to the occurrence : was standing on the deck of the steamer. He walked straight up to me and called me a . I told him two or three times not to repeat the expression, bat he did so, and then struck me on the chest, I struck him back. 1 did not think of the hold behind him, and when I struck him he fell sideways down the batch. I am, of coarse, exceedingly sorry that it happened, but he was the aggressor, and I only struck him in self-defence.” Allan's statement of the affair is corroborated by several people who were on the deck of the steamer at tho time of the accident. Allan was afterwards arrested by direction of Inspector Thomson on a charge of assaulting Gerrard. He was, however, released shortly after his arrival at the station, Captain Strong becoming surety. Considerable bitterness was caused amongst tbe Unionists over the affair, aud the feeling against non-Unionists seemed very much increased, and all sorts of threats were made against them. Consequently, when the non-Unionist men employed by the Harbour Board came off the wharf at five o'clock there was an immense crowd waiting to receive them, and as they passed through tho barrier they wore subjected to more than tbo usuil amount of hooting. There watr a large number of police present uuder Inspector Thomson and Sergeant-Major Ramsay, and it did not appear as if there would be any serious disturbance at that lime. Hitherto the crowd outside tbe barriers ha/o been content to hoot the men and make remarks of an uncomplimentary character as they passed through tho file of policemen, bat last night they followed the men up Customhouse quay. Tho police hod remained behind at the barrier, being under the impression, no doubt, that the crowd would disperse as usual as soon as the non-Unionists got clear of tbe wharf, bat when Inspector Thomson foand that the crowd were now yelling and hooting in a most outrageous manner at the aon-XJoioniata, who making their way up Customhouse quay as best they could, he ordered the police to move 11 to the front,” and thither the police went at tbe double, and quickly placed themselves between the crowd and a trio of non-Unionists. There were cries of “ Down with the blacklegs," but no attempt was made to attack them until they reached the Bank of New Zealand corner, whan a seaman named Nicholas Calogaros, a Greek, rushed at one of the free labourers, Edward Hartnett by name, and tripped him on tbe footpath, amidst tho approving cheers of the crowd. Constables Grey and O’Rorke saw the assault, aud they pounced upon Cologaros in an instant, and arrested him. Several of the oiowd made a rush toward the constables, bat Mounted Constable Hooper immediately rode on to the footpath, and kept them back. The crowd had now became very excited, and for a few moments a conflict seemed inevitable. Several excited men In the crowd shouted out —** Rescue him,” “Gofor the police,” but fortunately there were few responses. Hartnett was still being jostled by the crowd, but the police managed to get him into a cab close by. This excited the crowd again, and one man who was doing his best to incite the crowd to rescue the prisoner, kicked at the horses in tho cab, but the cabman succeeded in getting away, amidst derisive yells. The police then made a move toward tbe police station with their prisoner. An immense number of people followed, aud frequently there were cries of “Rescue” and “Down with the police.” As the police drew near the station the crowd went ahead and closed round tbe doorway, but the mounted constables (who throughout bad done good service in keeping the crowd back) soon cleared the way. The prisoner was safely lodged in the lookup. On the way to the police station Constable Cooper was struck ia the back with a stone, and several men in the crowd were seen with * stones ia their hands. The crowd remained outside the station for some time, and then quietly dispersed. When Calogaros was arrested at the Bank of New Zealand, the other non - Unionist men proceeded up Willis street, a large portion of the crowd following. The men were chased into Cuba street, and one of them, who had been rather roughly handled, had to take refuge iu Messrs Miller, Booth and Co.'s grocery establishment. He was followed into the shop by several men, and we are informed that one of the shopmen seized a hammer and threatened to knock down the first man who attempted to molest the non-Unionist. Eventually the man was able to get to his home under tbo protection of two permanent artillerymen. Another seaman named Andrew Nelson was also arrested yesterday afternoon on a charge of assaulting one of the Harbour Board employes. During the m6Ma yesterday afternoon an elderly man named Thomas Beveridge was taken into custody by Constable O’Brien on a charge of obstructing Constable Cashion in the execution of his duty, and also with inciting certain persons to resist the officer mentioned.

The following manifesto was issued by the labour party last night:—"All Unionists are required to assist in preserving the peace, and under no oiroumstanees to resort to intimidation or violence toward any person or persons. Breiches of the peaoe are oaloulated to seriously injure the Unionists in their present struggle,— (Signed) For the Maritime Council, D. P. Fsher; for the Federated Trades Union Council, J. Graham." SATURDAY, SEPT*EMBEK 13. William Henry Serrard did not improve yesterday, but got worse daring the day. At 3 p.m. Mr Pointon, J.P., Mr James, Cork of the Court, Mr Jelliooe (who is engaged for the prosecution), Mr Brandon (who appears for Allan), Detective Kirby and Allan himself attended at the Hospital for the purpose of taking the injured man's depositions. Dr Ewart and McKenzie were also present, and oertified that the unfortunate man was not in a fit state to make any statement, as his mind was wandering and he was almost unable to talk. Detective Kirby, who was acquainted with Gerrard before he came to Wellington, attempted to enter Into conversation with him and asked him how he felt Gerrard replied, "I'm going to die. My home la in Surrey." Thinking he was getting better, efforts were made to induce him to mske a statement, but he said he had uo rucollectiou of being on the wharf. Allan then sald"to him, " I'm sorry you met with this accident, but you must remember you struok me first." Gerrard at first did not recognise Allan, but before the latter left said, "Iforgive yon." CHARGES OF ASSAULT. The Magistrate's Court was patronised by a very large number of people yesterday morning, the occasion being the appearance on summons of several persona charged with oommittlng and inciting breaches of the peace. Thomas Beverldge, charged with resisting Constable Cashion, and with inoiting other persons to commit breaches of the peace on Thursday afternoon, was remanded until Tuesday, at the request of his counsel, Mr Skerrett. In making the application Mr Skerreit said his olientiadignantly repudiated any connection with the "disgraceful oiroumstanoea "' that ocourred on Thursday afternoon. Neither he as counsel nor his olient attempted to justify at all the oonduot of which apparently Bome persons wore guilty on that occasion. The acoused would also undertake not to interfere or molest any person in the meantime. Bail was granted, the aooused and one surety in £2O each. Thomas Lewis was oharged on remand with having on the 9th September assaulted John Fairband. Mr Jelliooe, who was for the defence, said when the oase was last before the Court he undertook that the Trades Council would Issue a manifesto discountenancing violence. For what had happened sinoe neither the Maritime Council nor the Trades Council accepted-any responsibility, and they wished it distinctly understood that every person guilty of rioting or breaobeß of the peace must personally answer for his individual wrongdoing, and must not look to the Maritime or the Trades Council for support if such wrong, doing was followed by prosecution. The manifesto had been issued in accordance with the promise given, and he understood that the prosecution would accept that and withdraw this information and the next one.

Mr Bell, for the prosecution, said that on behalf of Ms informant, and also as representing the Harbour Board, what Mr Jelliooe had stated was correct. What was said by him (Mr Bell) on behalf of hie client was said before the occurrences of Thursday happened, but both he and they felt bonnd by the promise given to Mr Jellicoe, the engagement which that gentleman gave having been faithfully and loyally carried out.

The accused was then discharged, and so was John Collier, charged with assaulting William Moorhouae on the same date.

Andrew Kelson and Nicholas Calogaros were charged with assaulting Edward Hartnett on the 11th inst.

Mr Ccatea appeared for the defence, Instructed by the Seamen’s Union. Mr Jelliooe, he said, bad made a remark about persona belonging to the different parties not being the guilty ones. He (Mr Coates) should not make any such reference, but when the case came on on Tuesday (to which date be applied for a remand) he would be able to show that the two members of the Seamen’s Union for whom he appeared had nut been guilty of the charge laid at their door. He would give on their behalf the same pledge as had been given for another prisoner, that they

would not be parties to any further Sgbtiog or disturbance of the peace. The app tion was granted, and bail was allows the accused in £2O and one surety o S. Allan waa charged with h»Ji“g on the 11th lost. assaulted -William Henry Gerrard. He pleaded not guilty, and at tne request of the police was remanded tor a week. Bail was allowed the accused in and one surety of a similar amount.

SPECIAL CONSTABLES CALLED OUT. Yesterday morning, in oonseqoenoe of an information sworn by Captain Kose, Chairman of the Harbour Board, that he had reasonable cause to apprehend noting, some 200 persons were summoned to at,end at the Magistrate’s Court at 2 pm., to be sworn in as epeoial constables. At that hour accordingly the chamber was crowded, the persons summoned including m a “y , leading residents of the city. Mr Robinson, R.M., and the Mayor occupied the Bench, and Inspector Thomson represented the police. The Resident Magistrate said Gentlemen, you have been called here to-day upon an appointment that has bean made by Mr Johnston, the Mayor of the town, and myself, acting in pursuance of an information laid before ns that it was possible, and that a credible witness reasonably apprehended, that there might be rioting to-day. Matters that took place yesterday will be in the knowledge of most of you, and it is not necessary for mo to recapitulate them in any way. But I think you will all, a® law-abiding citizens, be satisfied that the movement re. quiring some supplementary power to back up the police la not hasty or ill-advised. You have been called upon, therefore, to assist in the maintenance of law and order, and I will take the opportunity while you are all here, and before anyone is sworn in, to give you to understand that what is required of you will be made as little burdensome as possible. It is proposed that you be sworn m now, and that immediately upon being sworn in you will be placed under the orders of the Inspector of Police. Every person sworn in as a special constable has all thepnvilegea and all the duties of a constable of police imposed upon him, but I Dead hardly say that the duties intended to be imposed on you, each as are sworn iu, will be made supplementary to the efforts of the regular police, and that you will only be called upon to assist them si) far as may be absolutely necessary. I shall leave to Inspector Thomson the contriving how best to make use of the powers yon will have. Upon being sworn in you will bo placed in his hands; and m doing that I have only to say to you that while you have, or will have the privileges, the powers, and the rights of constables, you have also imposed upon you the same requirements that are imposed upon them, that is to say, to observe the most extreme moderation in everything you have to d-i—that while not giving way in any way where you are told to make a stand, that you will by no means act hastily or show temper, whatever may’be your provocation. My own belief, and also that of the Mayor is that your duties will bo very light—that the mere fact of so many being ready and willing to undertake the support of law ami order, and the knowledge that though we may only swear in a hundred or so to day we can get 500 or 800 to-morrow if we want them is, I think, the best guarantee of law and order. Still, when you are called upon it will bo necessary for yon to attend, and you will all consider yourselves, when called, to be on police duty, and will have in every way to obey all orders of your superior officers. It has been proposed to swear you in in this fashion, that when we have sworn twenty we shall ask them to ohooae one of their number to be sergeant of that squad. He will keep the addresses of all in that squad, which we shall endeavour, as far as possible, to make up of persons in one neighbourhood, and those sworn in will consider any instruction from the sergeant of their squad as the instructions of their officer That is only a matter of temporary convenience—the whole circumstances may not last longer than a day or two. His Worship added that probably some people over the maximum age might nave been called, and they could be exempted'it they wished. With respect to Justices of the Peace they were not exempt, but os a matter of convenience their service would not be insisted on. One other intimation bo had to make on behalf of the Inspector of Police, which was that those who were sworn in would be required to assemble on the wharf at 4 o clock with their badges and batons inside the barrier. The intention was not to do more than assemble on that occasion, __ Iu answer to Mr Edwards his Worship said the age over which exemption was allowed was 55 years. , ... Mr W. McLean suggested that marshalling the special constables at 4 o’clock might excite the people. There would bo nobody on the wharf till 5 o’olook. . His Worship : Then there will be nothing to The oath taken by the special constables is aa follows :-“I, , do swear that I will well and truly serve our Sovereign Lady the Queen in the office of special com stable at Wellington and the neighbourhood thereof, without favour or affection, malice or illwill ; and that X will to the beat of my power cause the peace to be kept and proserved, and prevent all offences against the persons and properties of Her Mart * subjects ; and that while I continue to hold the said office I will to the best of my skill and knowledge discharge all the duties thereof faithfully according to law. So help mv God!” One hundred and thirty-three persons were sworn in, among them three Yolun. teers, whose football training and athletic physique made them especially »almW« adherents. The ••sergeants” selectedby the seven squads were - Messrs J. C-Hanlsi, 3eorgo Campbell, T. J. W. Gale, C. . Mackintosh, C. VY. Benbow, A. Veitoh, and G. Moore.

PRECAUTIONS AGAINST RIOTING. The rioting which took place on Thursday afternoon when tho non - Unionist labourers left their work at 5 o clock was taken by the authorities as a warning. Consequently measures were tauen on'jog the day with a view to the fulfilment of tho Government’s declaration that above, all law and order should be maintained. Particulars are given elsewhere of the swearing in of special constables, who paraded inside the barrier on the Wharf at 4 o'clock, with badges on their arms and batons, either carried in hand or thrust up the coat sleeve in professional fashion. They were sub. iected to a little chaff, but generally the Wharf was comparatively quiek As the time went on towards 5 A clock, the crowd outside the rope, which by courtesy is called a barrier, grew larger every minute, spreading about the Wharf and streets in the vicinity until there must have been fully 3000 people congregated together. Of these by far the greater number were spectators, who had come there to see the fun. Union men were to he seen here and there, but there were very few of them. Inside the barrier the speoial constables were marshalled under their various ‘ “ e , rß ° a ° t ‘L and occasionally little squads of them were marched off the Wharf, pasamg along a ino made through the crowd by the regular police, amidst a good deal of noise, in which hooting and cheering were about equally combined. These detachments were 7 posted at various points along the reclamation and in Willis and Manners streets up to Cuba Btreet - ‘ before 5, when ouly two squads were left on the Wharf, the police were reinforced by the arrival of half-a-dozen ‘'infantry and four mounted constables. Very showy the mounted policemen looked as they rode up the Wharf abreast and stopped at the barrier to receive the instructions o. Sergeant-Major Ramsay, and very respect ully tho crowd made wiy for their upstanding horses. At “his time, too, tbe police, under instructions from Inspector Thomson (woo was directing the whole affair, of course) drew their boxwood batons, and made a mild exhibition thereof for the benefit of all whom it might concern. Those batons had not previous y seen service for aome yeara the order was given Clear the Wharf, and then tho utility of the ™ ounto i men was evidenced. Before the firm pressure of the horses, the crowd gave way with rare alacrity. Hardly an inch of ground was disputed, and as the foot constables also worked exceedingly well, in a very few minutes nearly all the congregation were off the Wharf and on tl‘ Vsor 20 rei Everything was ready for th ° ° * f labourers who were to come off the Wharf. As the Post Office olook struck 5, three or four men, the advance guard of the free labourers, came down the Wharf and passed along the street seoure in tho protection of the police. These men were treated to a little hooting, but no other demonstration was made. Acting, apparently, under the advice of Inspector Thomaon. a small body of labourers, representing all who were coming off-some of them having decided to sleep on board steamers matched down together, and were followed, as they passed tho barrier.by the two sjiindßof special constables in Indian nle. This meant a complete change of scene, and as the labourers marched along. keeping o middle of the street, with the police in attendance, tho “specials m the rear,. and a file or two of permanent militia men at each side of the street, the crowd followed, the whole more like a part of some pageant than a simple enforcement of “lawand order” for the protection of a few individuals. As they niovedupW.lhs street the footpaths wore alive with men, and at every window people were assembled to “see the show.” Here and there, too, warm cheers and enthusiastic clapping of hands greeted the special constables. Everything went on quietly enough for a little way. but before the procession reached the Bank of New Zealand corner it had become evident that there was abroad an excess of excitement which only needed some slight incident to prompt them to physical activity. In front of the Empire Hotel this incident happened. A man in the crowd had picked up a stone, and one of the Wharf officials, foreseeing some evil intent, pounced upon him at once. Immediately a crowd gathered round, and In a very fewseconda the street was blocked with a dense mass of people. Back came the police, who had gone on ahead, to break up tha assemblage, the irresistible mounted men with them. Fop a moment the crowd

heaved, as it were, and stood Dp to its assailants ; then it gave way suddenly, and as the constables rode along, clearing the way, a roar of cheera waa given them by the onlookers, while the passengers in an express which bad been blocked responded heartily. By this time the main body had reached the Manners street turning, and there paused to look for the free labourers. Where were they ? They bad dropped out one by one, mingling with the orosvd, until bat two remained. Of these one modestly got into a passing cart and went away unheeded, but the other was escorted home by two constables and a few other persona, some of whom probably desired to know where he lived, and were surprised to find that the discovery involved a walk to Newtown. Still there was an immense crowd left at the corner near the Duke of Edinburgh Hotel. There they completely blocked the road, moving this way and that in sheer unwieldineas. Frequent unsuccess* ful efforts were made to clear a pessago, until at last the police made an altogether irresistible charge, driving the crowd back till it was well down into Willis street again. One man began an impassioned oration to the multitude, and had expressed an opinion that “oar turn would come,” when Detective Kirby happened on the scene and said two or three earnest words. The orator recognised the detective. He knew that his turn would come at once if he stayed for it, and he did not stay. That was the only speech made. No bad feeling was evinced at all, and the behaviour of the people generally gave one the idea that most of them thought they wore “out for u lark.” Long before six o’clock they had dispersed and sought their homes; the police (whose work and organisation were highly creditable to Inspector Thomson) bad returned to the station ; and the special constables, having been relieved of duty at their various pickets, had for the time being resigned their badge and baton of office. During the afternoon two men, named William Roberts and James Coulsou, were arrested for behaving in a manner calculated to provoke a breach of the peace, by hooting the constables.

On Saturday afternoon the numbors of the the special constables .were augmented by over 80, of whom some six or eight were persons who had not attended ou the previous day, and the remainder volunteers —mostly young men in the Civil Service, banks, and mercantile boasts. The demonstration on the Wharf on Saturday afternoon was a larger one than on the previous day. The extra speoial constables were all in attendance, and as the various squads march off the Wharf the spectators who lined the route cheered them warmly. Along the streets they were also rooeived with a good deal of enthusiasm. The free labourers came off at 5 o'olock, but very little notioe was taken of thorn. One or two, being wise iu their generation, quietly out off a corner by going aoross the inner tee, and thus escaped observation ; and one especially astute man took a box seat on a trap, and thus travelled incog. The crowd of spectators was a large one, but considerably less than on Friday. There was nothing in the shape of bad bohaviour, and the whole proceedings, exoept for the feeling manifested on behalf of the speoial constables, were exceedinglyquiefc. On Saturday Frank Duran, an ex-wharf labourer, pleaded guilty to having made use of indecent language on the Queen's Wharf on Friday evening, and was sentenced to 48 hours' imprisonment. Mr Coates appeared for the accused. William Roberts was charged with behaving in snob a man. ner on the Queen's Wharf on Friday evening as was calculated to occasion a breach of the peace. Sergeant Manning stated that the prisoner addressed the orowd on the wharf in an exoited manner and refused to " move on " when ordered to do so. In defence accused said that he tnorely advised those about him to be careful who they voted for at the next general eleotion. Their Worships fined him 20s, or in default. 24 hours' imprisonment. James Coulton was next charged with using insulting language towards the speoial constables, and Constable Cox was instructed by Mr A. Young, J.P., to arrest him. The Benoh said they intended.to protect the special constables as much as possible, but as this was the first case the ocoused would be treated somewhat leniently. He was fined 40s, or three days' imprisonment. Messrs J. S. M. Thompson, 0. J. Toxward, and W. G. Tustin were on the Bench. GENERAL ITEMS. In the Bouse yesterday morning reference iros made to the disturbance which took place in the City the previous day, the subject being brought up by Mr T. Mackenzie, who askod the Government whether it was their intention to take some stepß for affording protection to the oitizons of Wellington in the present crisis of affairs. The Colonial Secretary replied that he had every renflon to believe that steps were being taken which would prevent a recurrence of any disturbances such as those which had oocurred the previous afternoon. He understood that a number of special constables were being sworn in, but that was of course more a matter for Justices of the Peaoo than for the Defenoe Department. Those special constables would afford protection to free labour in every possible way. At a meeting of Unionists at tho Exchange Hall last night the following resolutions were carried :—" That this meeting rejoices to hear of the starting of a New Zealand Cooperative Steamship Company, and pledges itself in every way possible to render practical assistance to the movement. That this meeting protests against the tyrannical aotion of the Railway Commiasioners in dismissing men who have had _the Qi>uxa&o-ta-»t*»«"trrutr to the' 'p'fihoiples of Unionism. That this meeting congratulates moßt heartily the discharged employe's for their courageous attitude on behaif of labonr, and further sympathises with them for their loss of position." Mr Moore (secretary to the Butohers' Union) has received a telegram from the Napier Butchers' Union inquiring what is the feeliug of the members of the local Union with regard to a proposal to establish a butchers' union for the whole of the Colony. It may be mentioned th.it a motion has been tabled by one of the members of the local Union dealing with tbe question of forming an affiliated union, to embrace all the butohers of the Colouy. A meeting of ironworkers' assistants was i»ld in Bowley s Hall last night, when the Sallowing resolution was agreed to unanimously : —"That we agree to do any work we are asked, provided that all the men engaged on the work are Unionists." A meeting of painters was held in the Trades Hall last night. A resolution was passed refusing to give any information to the press. The Rotokino finished discharging her cargo of ooals yesterday morning, and will leave this morning for Lyttelton, where she will load grain for Brisbane and Sydney. The Wakatlpu arrived from Oamaru yesterday mornicg with a large oargo for Sydney. Sha remained at anchor in tho stream until half-past six, when she left for Sydney.

Messrs J. S. M. Thompson, N. Reid, and the Hon P, A. . Buckley, and Messrs F. Moore, S. Smith, and W. Durrell, the arbitrators appointed to consider the question of the Gear Meat Company supplying the steamers of the Union Company, met in the offices of the Gear Meat Company yesterday morning. It was agreed that there was no issue upon which to arbitrate. The arbitrators found that under the existing contract the Gear Meat Company would be liable to a penalty of £4OO lor refusing to continue to supply meat to the Union Company’s boats, and that even if the Butchers’, Union succeeded in getting the contract broken, the Union Company oonld easily obtain supplies from other sources. It was agreed that if the contract were broken by the Gear Company the Union Company wonld reap tho benefit and they would receive the penalty. The result of the meeting was that the Gear Company would continue to supply meat to the vessels. The meeting, which was of a very harmonious character, expressed a hope that the strike would soon be settled amicably. The manufacturing hands in the employ of Messrs Turnbull and Co., who went out with tbe storemen last week, have returned to their work.

The Union Company's offioials stats that over 20 of the cooks and stewards who struok havtfVeturned to the service of tho Company during the present week. Several cases of intimidation to nonUnionists are reported. In one instance the friends of a youog man now at work were asked to withdraw him from his present employment, the requestors saying that if he continued work they would not be answerable for the consequences. A plot was discovered in time lost night to prevent what would hare been a diabolical ontrage intended to be inflioted on a qniet working man who is a non-Unionist. Tbeaidofthe police wsb applied for, and protection granted the man. During the commotion at the corner of Manners and Willis streets last evening a rough looking individual was heard to exclaim to his companions, "Let's loot the blooming shops." The speaker was quickly hustled off the spot by law-abiding oitizens. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15. Strike pay was distributed to the Union men who are out at the Exchange Buildings on Saturday. Thn pay was only in money in a lew cases, and some men who got small sums—averaging about five shillings—expressed discontent thereat. For the most part, however, the strikers were given orders—the married men aud expressmen on the Union store in Farish street for rations and horse feed, and the single men for board and lodging. ! A mass meeting of Unionists was addressed by Mr W. W. Collins on Saturday afternoon, the chair being occupied by Mr F. Meyer. The Australia left for Auckland, via East Coast ports, on Saturday evening. The work of loading and discharging the Wakatu on Saturday was carried oat by several of the clerks in Messrs Levin and O.'s oftioe and non-Uuionists, and she got away for Foxton during the evening. TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER Id. Shortly before 5 o'clock yesterday evening the special constables assembled on the Wharf, and were mastered inside the barrier

under their various sergeants. As usual the movements of the “specials” were all directed by Inspector Thomson. Several squads were sent off before 5 o’clock, in pursuance of the policy adopted on the previous days, and posted at various points along the route of the free labourers on tbeir way home. The labourers themselves, to the number of eight or ten, came off the "Wharf, marching between two squads of athletic young fellows under Mr George Campbell. At the foot of the wharf a large crowd of people had assembled, order being kept by the police, mounted and on foot, and as the labourers and their escort passed on to the reclamation there waa very little hooting and considerable applause. Thence onward until the labourers reached their home* the journey waa comparatively uneventful. At one point there waa a slight hitch, due to the anxiety of two or three men, who had followed the procession, to discover the residence of one of the free labourers. The latter turned down a lane, and a man immediately posted himself at the corner and kept a bright look out until the police quietly moved him on before ho had completed his discovery. Generally the proceedings were remarkably quiet. Another hundred and fifty special constables were sworn in yesterday afternoon, the sergeants elected being Messrs C. Tayton, R. M. Simpson, W. S. Moorhouse, L. H B. Wilson, A. P. Mason, A. G. Johnston, and R. H. Laery. These gentlemen were not on duty yesterday afternoon, but .will be notified when their attendance la required. Arrangements have been made for such special constables as are not on duty to be called out, if it should become necessary at any time, by a signal given with the fireballs. The peal which is to summon the special constables is three strokes per minute.

The Anchor Line steamer Kennedy arrived from Nelson and West Coast ports yesterday mot nlng with Grey mouth coal for the Grey Valley Coal Company, and commenced discharging into one of that Company's hulks. After putting out o portion of the cargo the crew were instructed by a representative of the Seamen's Union to ceaae working, no reason being given for the order. The ship, piog clerk of the agents (Messrs W. and G. Turnbull and Co.) then waited on the Secretary of the Union, who informed him that the only reason for calling out the crew was the determination to block all steamers. The members of the crew waited upon the Union authorities and requested permission to give 24 hours notice in terms of their articles, so that they might be able to take the steamer to their home port and be paid off there ; this, though repeatedly urged, was refused, and the men had to leave their posts away from their homes and fimilies. The owners, on reoeiviug intimation of what had occurred, instructed their agents to engage free labour, but to give the preference to the present crew if auy elected to remain with them. A free crew is being engaged, and the steamer is expeoted to leave this evening. A report has been circulated thit the men were oalled out bsoause their authorities had reason to believe the coal was intended for the Star of Victoria. This, however, was not so. The Grey Valley Coal Company had notified it was intended for the Duke of Westminster, which has employed Union labour only. Neither the Duke of Westminster nor the Grey Valley Company had previously been boycotted. The Star of Viotoria will take in about 850 tons of coal from the Bayley, which is expeoted from Newcastle this morning. The Stir of Viotoria brought down from Napier 2G non-Unionists, who will discbarge the coal. The men will return to Napier by the Bayley. The Brunner, with a non-Unioniat orew, arrived from South yesterday morning. Captain Apstflin, formerly of the Kawatiri, is in oharge of her, Captain Waller being away on one of the other steamers as ohief officer. The members of the Boilermakers" Union have decided to refuse to do any work for the Union Company, or any other firm that employs noa Unionist labour. The Alert left Timaru for Wellington yesterday with a oargo of 80 tons of fbur. Mr W. H. Levin has been elected President of the recently.formed Shipmasters' AssooiatioD. There are now 102 members on the roll —B3 .active and 14 honorary members. It has been decided that reading matter of a nautical character should be provided for the use of members visiting the port. The distribution of strike pay and orders was continued at the Exohange Buildings yesterday.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17. In spite of the wet weather yesterday afternoon several hundred people assembled outside the barrier at the Queen's Wharf when the free labourers left off work. There was a large force of foot police present under Inspector Thomson, and also eight mounted men. Two detachments of special constables under Meeßrs P. P. Webb and Moore paraded inside the barrier shortly before 5 o'clock. The labourers went off the wharf very quietly, and they proceeded to their homes without the usual escort of special constables. Several of the mounted men, however, accompanied one or two of the nonUnionists for some distance. There was no demonstration of any kind. The " specials " were dismissed a little after 5 o'clock us til this evening, at 4.45 p.m , when they will again assemble inside the barrier, and, if necessary, will escort the free labourers to their homes. The local agents of the Kennedy have succeeded in getting a non-Union crew for the steamer, and she will leave for Nelson and West Coast ports this evening, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER _l9._ T.vo -<)okmjbment»"df special oonstables, under Messrs C. D. Mackintosh and A. Yeitob, assembled at the Queen's Wharf yesterday at 5 p.m., but tbelr services were not required, and they were dismissed at 10 minutes past 5. The free labourers came off the Wharf at the usual time, but very little notice was taken of them. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20. Very few people were present on the Wharf yesterday when the free labourers left off work. Two detachments of special constables, under Messrs C. W. Benbow and G. Webb, assembled inside the barrier at 5, bat their services were not required, and they were dismissed a little after 5. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 22. There was a large orowd on the wharf yesterday when the Monowal, from Melbourne via Southern ports, arrived. The steamer has a non-Union crew who joined her in Melbourne. Mr Maitland, Who has decided to remain in the servioe of the Company, is still chief officer of the steamer. The other officers left the vessel at Dunedin, and their places have been filled by Messrs W. C. Mann (second officer), J. Graham (third offioer), and Gray (fourth officer), all of whom have reoently joined the service of the Company. A number of the cooks and stewards left the steamer at Dunedin, but their places have been filled by nonUnionists. The Monowai brought a very large number of passengers, aud 281 tons of cargo for Wellington. She is expected to get away for Sydney, via Auokland and East Coast ports, this evening. TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23. There were very few people assembled on the wharf yesterday afternoon when [the free labourers left off work. There were two mounted oonstables and several foot police present, but their attendance was not necessary. There were no speoial constables present. WEDNESDAY. SEPTEMBER 24. At present there is only two days' supply of coal at the Wellington Hospital, but at yesterday's meeting of the Trustees of the Institution the Chairman (Mr P. H. Praser) stated that the Brunnor Coal Company had promised to let them have a track load in a day or two. »vThe Arawa arrived from England, via the usual ports, yesterday afternoon, The work ot discharging her will be commenced this morning by the free labourers who were brought up from Lyttelton. She has a large quantity of cargo for Wellington. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26. The Hon George McLean will represent the Union Company at the Libour Confer, enoe which is to take place next week. A number of Unions have intimated their intention of taking part in the Conference, but the Maritime Council suggest that no good will result unless the employers are all represented. The Seamen's Union has by far the largest representation in the present strike, and it is estimated that nearly 400 of its members are "out" in Wellington alone. The amount distributed In strike pay by this Union last week is said to have been : about £l7O. Rumour has it that some members ars dissatisfied with the principle on which disbursements are made by the Trades and Labour Council. The Seamen's Union has been a large contributor to the sums paid out, and there is a feeling that other labour bodies do not give a fair ptoportional share. Tenders have, we understand, been accepted for the supply of sir coal-outting machines, to be sent out to the Colony by the next steamer. Thesa machines are to be used at Weatport and Greymouth, and each one will supersede about ten men. Householders will be glad to learn that they ate now able to prooure a little coal for household purposes. On Wednesday Mr M. Kennedy wired to the Hon G. McLean, pointing out that there was a great necessity for coal for private use, and asking whether a cargo of coal could not be procured from the Nightcaps or Kai. tan gat a for the use of the citizens. As a result of this telegram the local manager of the Union Company yesterday received instructions from Dunedin to sell the cargo of Waikato ooal which was brought down by the Wareatea when the Btrike first began, a few weeks ago. The cargo was purchased by the principal dealers in the city, and the vessel was brought alongsic' 'i the Queen's Wharf yesterday morning for the purpose of discharging it. A difficulty arose over the carting of the coal from the Wharf, the men belonging to the Grey Valley Company refusing to handle it, for the reason that non-Unionists were employed on the steamer. Mr Gasquolne, local manager pf tho Company, however,

engaged several men to do the carting, which was carried on without further delay. The carters employed by Mr J. M. Millar, with the exception of one man, also declined to cart the coal, and non-Unionists were engaged in ‘heir places. The coal will be disposed of at the rate of £3 per ton. If the strike continues several cargoes of Nightcaps and Kaitangata coal will be brought to Wellington for private use. A meeting of the Shipmasters’ Association was held yesterday morning for the purpose of considering the circular issued by the Government with reference to holding a conference of representatives of the various labour organisations. It was decided that as the interests of the Association were identical with the employers, and as the latter would be represented at the Confer eoce, it was not necessary for the Association to send a delegate. There are 126 names on the membership roll of the recently formed Shipmasters’ Association.

The Queen of the South, which has been laid up for tha past week or two, will take up the Wakatn's running while tha latter vessel ia no the Slip. She will be manned by non-Unionists. She will leave this evening for Kaikoura and Lyttelton. The Wakatu, which arrives from Foxton this morning, will be taken on the Slip daring the day. Up till the present time between £6OO and £7OO has been distributed in striko pay in Wellington. Yesterday a well-known resident, who has recently entered into business here, engaged three men to assist in delivering a quantity of cbaff, whioh had been sold to a firm in town. When the men saw the carter who was to convey the ohaff, they informed the gentleman who had engaged them that they •'would not work with 'that man,'" whom they described as a "blackleg." They stated that he was one of the oarters who had gone out on strike and had siuoe returned to work, and under those ciroumstancss they declined to work with him. The men then went about their business, and the gentleman in question at once took off his coat and did the work himself. The supply of free labour in Wellington is very much in excess of the demand, and the Union Company and others have daily to refuse work to a large number of men. This state of things appears to prevail in other ports of the Colony. Tu Nelson recently 40 applications for six vacancies on one of the Anchor Liners was received. It is stated that several of the publioane who refused to give subscriptions in aid of tho strikers are to be "boycotted." The local Employers' Association, at a meeting yesterday, decided to send a letter to the Government in reply to the invitation to take part in the Labour Conference. It is understood that the purport of the reply is that, in the opinion of tho Association, employers of labour should represented on the Conference. The storemeu on strike have challenged the seamen and wharf labourers to a football match at 3.30 p.m. ou Saturday. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27. The Hauroto arrived from Newcastle yesterday morning, with a largo cargo of ooal, which is to be taken on to Dunedin. Ihe vessel has a non-Union crew. Tho old officers are still on board, and we understand that they intend to stick to her. Two of tho officers intend joining the Shipmasters' Association. A meeting of the members of tho Cooks and Stewards' Union was held yesterday, when general matters in oonneotion with the finances of the Union were discussed. The Orowaiti, which is expected from Greymouth this morning, is bringing a cargo of 360 tons of coal, a portion of which is for the gaßworks. The following delegates will represent the Trades Council at the Labour Conference noxt week : Messrs F. Meyer and Hutchison (Storemen's Union), J. Graham (Tailors' Union), ft. P. Johnson (Shop Assistants' Union), Avery (Painters'Union), Mudge(Carpenters' Union), and H. C. Joneß (Typographical Society). The football match between the seamen and the lumperß will not take place until next week. The Moa is to be placed Into commission again, and she will leave for Wanganui this evening. She will be manned by nnnUnionists. Messrs Lomas and Acsell will represent the Miners' and Labourers' Unions on the Labour Conferenoe to be held next week. The Southland Employers' Association decline to take part in the Conference, on the grounds that they have no grievanoe with their employes, end that no good can result from the Conference.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29. The Te Anau arrived from Melbourne, via Southern ports, yesterday afternoon. She brought a very large number of passengers and 210 toDS of cargo for Wellington. The Orowaiti, which arrived from Grey, mouth on Saturday night, ibrought 400 tons of coal. At a speoial meeting of the Typographical Sooiety, held on Saturday evening for the purpose of considering the position of the Trades and Labour Council in regard to the strike, a resolution was passed expressing the fullest oonfidence in the Counoil. The meeting was largely attended, and Mr W. McGrirr (President) occupied the chair. An elderly man named Hudson, who has been in the employ of the Union Company, narrowly escaped a severe mauling on Saturday night. A man who saw Hudson standing at the oorner of Willis street and Lambton quay raised the cry of " blackleg !" whereupon Hudson ran along the quay. .He_was„WJow<»d-by~tbß other man, who, shouting *' blackleg" as be ran, caught him when ho had rnn only a few yards, stood bim against a shop, and began to | pummel him about the faoe and body. Meanwhile several men who had been attracted by the shouts of the assailant, ran up, and there were excited cries of " Down him," " Walk on him," and so on. In the nick of time Constable Bowden (who was in plain clothes) happened on the ' scene. He dragged Hudson away from his assailants, and kept them at bay until the free labourer had got far away from danger. For a few moments the small crowd of men who had gathered were ve-y excited, and there seemed some probability of a row ; then, acting on the advice of Constable Bowden, whose courage and policy were highly com. mendable, they quietly dispersed. It is prohable that the police will take steps to prosecute some of the men concerned in the assault. During the present week the Commissioners will resume regular services on most of the Southern lines, the traffio having gradually improved during the last week or two until it is now very little below what it ordinarily was before the strike. On the railways in this vicinity, also, the traffic returns have well nigh atcained their normal condition, and the usual services will probably be resorted to very shortly. Mr Stead, of Christchurch, who was a passenger from Lyttelton by the Te Anau, had an unpleasant experience on Saturday as the steamer was leaving. The crowd of Unionists hooted and jeered him considerably when he appeared on the steamer's deck, none of the leaders makiog the slightest attempt to interfere. Quite a number of notable persona in connection with the labour struggle are now in Wellington. Mr Lomas, of the Maritime Couucil, arrived by the Mawhera from the West Coast yesterday morning, and the Te Anau, which came in during the afternoon, had a; passengers Mr J. A. Millar and Mr P. Brown, of the Maritime Council; Mr Winter and Mr Elvines, of the Railway Servants' Society : and Captain Highman and Mr Cornish, of the Officers' Association. All these gentlemen have come to Wellington with a view to attending the Labour Con. ference which the Government have convened for next Wednesday. The miners will be represented by Mr Lomas, the Maritime Council by Messrs Millar and Brown, the Wharf Labourers by Mr R. Seymour, the Officers' Association by Captain Highman and Mr Cornish, and the Railway Servants' Society by Mr Hoban (who will arrive here during the week), Mr Winter, and Mr Elvines. When the Te Anau came alongside, Mr McKerrow, Chief Commissioner of Railways, went aboard and gave a friendly greeting to the railway servants' delegates. One of the labour representatives, who arrived by the Te Anau yesterday, told a New Zes.la.nd Times reporter last night that it really didn't matter muoh whether the Employers' Association took part in the conference, so long as the principal parties in the dispute—the miners, the Maritime Council, the railway servants, the shipping companies, and "our friends the Commissioners '" —were represented. Up to the present, however, the Commissioners have not made any move in the direction of recognising the conference, and it is considered improbable that they will do bo.

SATURDAY'S DEMONSTRATION. The demonstration on Saturday afternoon was qnite the event of the week so far as Unionist matters are concerned. Properly speaking, it was a strikers' demonstration, for, although a few Unionists in work roarohed with the procession, the greit body of the men who took part in it are " oat." It was to have started at 2.30, but at that hour, although the demonstrates were drawn up in order on the reclaimed land, the bands which were to stir the souls of the multitude with music were not numerically complete, and the procession bad to wait in a drizzling rain till 3 o'clock before the unpanotual musician! were ready to begin business. Very good-humoured and patient were the Unionists all through that interval, though occasionally anxious inquiries were passed along the ranks with a view to ascertaining when the directors were going to " let her go," and there were also in. quisitive damp persons who wanted to know " what is this ? " but no' one seemed at all irritated over the delay. At laßt everything was got ready, and jost after the Post Office clock had struck 3 the procession moved on to the street as Mr Jenkins' band struck up " St. Patrick's Day in the morning." Ahead of the prooesalomode the inevitable "niggers," resplendent in garments of many colours. The advance guard of the procession proper were the bearers of the Union Jaok, after whom came the band ; then the Seamen's UnioD, banner in air, and with a tableau of nautical

import, consisting of a boat on wheels, manned by sailors wearing the Union Com pany’s uniform. After them came the cocks and stewards, resplendent, for the most part, in blue coats and white ducks. The Drum and Fife Band were also in the procession, and played a number of tunes, more or leas pathetic, during the afternoon. The wharf labourers, preceded by their banner with the motto “ Defence, not defiance,” came next, bearing aloft a healthylooking but unprepossessing specimen of humanity, who was labelled on one side “Blackleg” and on the other “Free labour.” The storemen brought up the roar of the infantry, and were followed by 14 or 15 expressmen, whoso vehicles were decorated for the occasion and carried living cargoes of both sexes. Ihe number of men who took part in the procession may be roughly estimated at a little over 500, of whom about 200 were seamen, 160 wharf labourers, and 35 cooks and stewards. As the procession moved along the quay, hearty cheers were given for the landlord of the Bier Hotel, in consideration of his having given a cheque to the strike fund ; then, as the Union Company’s offices were reached, the onlookers, of whom there were a con siderable number, exercised their imaginations in speculating what kind of demonstration would be made there. All along the quay, however, the cheering was continued, and presently the other side responded by vigorous blowing of steam whistles from the Kanierl, Queen of the South, Moa, and Stormbird lying at the Wharf. Quite an exciting and noisy engage- ' meat this was for a few minutes. The procession was a tremendously long one, and took i'ome minutes to pass any given point. For a moment there would be silence, and then, as several men would shout “ Hooray” in different keys, the Kanieri would lift up her voice and howl most melodiously. In truth, it was a Wagnerian treat. The route of the procession was along the back of the Government Buildings and Printing office to the foot of Mulgrave street, where it turned and came along the quay, the men cheering as they passed each hotel whoso landlord had given the Canvassing Committee a subscription, and groaning dismally for the benetit of the publicans and sinners who had refused to do so. Apparently officers had been appointed to direct this part of the programme, for at intervals along the line might be seen occasional men who gave tho signal for cheering. The journey up Willis and Manners streets, and via Cuba street, Ingestre street and Tory street, along Courtenay place, and back to tho starting point on the reclamation was not an especially eventful onu, exactly tho same policy being pursued all through. The return trip was made via the Wharf and along Jervois quay, where the free labourers on the Australia were vigorously hooted. Arrived at the reclamation a ring was formed, in the centre of which the dummy free labourer was hoisted high. Divers Unionists then approached him and pulled hanks of tow from various parts of his person, thereby disclosing bis generally fibrous nature. Lighted matches being applied to tho tow, the free labourer at first refused to burn, but at last be was started, and to the great ''satisfaction of the spectators the lurid flames enveloped him, consumed him, and his assence ascended skyward in smoke, while bis heavy bluchers dropped to the ground and remained there, dumb witnesses of a most awful tragedy. The band was requested to play the “ Dead March,” but the band was callous, and declined. Then into the ring rode Mr 5. A. Nicholls, astride a noble horse of a burnt brick colour. He asked the crowd to “ vote a pass of thanks ” to and confidence in Mr D. P. Fisher and Mr J. A. Millar, of the Maritime Council. This toast was honoured, cheers were given for the bands ; and the first labour demonstration was over.

It should be said that the procession generally was very orderly, and the men well behaved. The marshals —Mr W. Roberts, of the Wharf Labourers’, and Mr S. Taylor, of the Seamen’s Union—-did their work very creditably. In the evening a concert was held at the Opera House. There was a very large audience, every seat in the theatre being filled. Except that the programme was rather long, the concert was an excellent one. Solos were contributed by Messrs T. Jones, J. Reid. R. Smith, and others• the Star gymnasts gave some first-class exhibitions ; Messrs Harry Hall and T. McDermott supplied the comic element; Mr R. Seymour recited ** Roderick Dhu,” and there were dog dancea, wire-walking, and other items, which went to make up a very good entertainment. The opening tableau, representing workers at various crafts, was well contrived, and Mr T. Jones sang the descriptive solo, 4t The British Working Man,” in fine style. Mr Jenkins’ brass band played two overtures very nicely. During the evening Mr W. W. Collins delivered a short address in the course of which he maintained the policy of the Unions in the present straggle.