IN THE EVENING

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8560, 24 October 1913, Page 9

IN THE EVENING

STRIKERS SHOW IMPATIENCE, i CHARGE UPON KING’S WHARF. , Not until a late hour last night did (the watersiders disperse from the King’s wharf, where the Rimutaka, with inward cargo, was being worked by a number of free labourers and permanent hands. By 7 p.m. the strikers had gathered in force where the barricade at the head of the tee barred their progress. The pickets were vigilant all along the water front, and passersjby were subjected to a most searching /scrutiny. Figures emerged from the shadows as one passed, and coming close peered through the rain to satisfy themselves that one was not an industrious person with an inclination for the handling of cargo. At the head of the King’s wharf the crowd was animated and restless and a general air of suppressed excitement and expectancy pervaded. A large section was clearly in belligerent mood, and three or four policemen and wharf officials kept a close guard behind the frail and wholly ineffective chain bar-, rier. Shortly after 7 p.m. a rush occurred, the police and officials were hopelessly out-numbered and swept aside, and the crowd surging quickly forward carried the position and obtained a footing at the middle of the wharf. AN ANXIOUS MOMENT. For a few moments it looked as if serious trouble was in store, hut the men quietened and returned to the head of the tee. The gangway of the Rimutaka had been raised and access to the ship was thus effectually barred. At 7.30 p.m. the police had been reinforced, while the strikers had increased in numbers. Suddenly a man mounted a crane and commenced to harangue the excited crowd. “ ‘Scabs’ are working in those holds,” he cried. “Arc wo going to stand that?” “No,” was tho emphatic answer shouted from many throats. “Then forward and stop it now!” he advised dramatically. For a moment another charge seemed

imminent, but the crowd subsided and settled again to shout various threats. Tho more responsible members did all they could to quell the turbulent spirits, and succeeded eventually in bringing them round to a more peaceable frame of mind. As tho night wore on the force of police was increased till there were about filteen constables on the wharf. Everybody was apprehensive. Tho spark smouldering sullenly behind the barrier might have flared up at any moment, and in the mood that then prevailed the' men, once they broke, would have gone far. Meantime the cranes worked steadily and tho trucks travelled backwards and forwards as the cargo came slowly from the holds. Towards 10 p.m. strikers commenced to disperse and only a mere handful of men remained to see the workers come ashore after knocking offThe anticipated trouble did not occur, the strikers acting with restraint, and contenting themselves with hooting and god-humoured banter. JEERS AND TAUNTS. “Ha! here they come. Have a good look at them,” cried somebody as tho workers camo along. “Bah, ‘scabs’!” camo tho contemptuoat chorus. “Where did yon get your two ‘bob asked a striker sarcasticaly. . )t “Aope you have a good night, jeered another ironically. The strike-breakers kept on their way, making no response and apparently enjoying tho verbal volleys. Behind them th strikrs followed in a body. “Oh, they’ll be able to buy protty socks now.” piped a voice. “ ’Gant’ you dirty ‘scabs’,” called another angrily. “Oh, you mustn’t call them ‘scabs , remonstrated the piper, “Massey will get hold of you!” Presently, tho police having indulgently permitted the crowd to have a good fling, closed up and prevented further comment. So, in silence, the small body proceeded to the gates, while the larger crowd folowed silently beliind. Outside the- gates a larger crowd awaited them, and there was a further outbreak of jeers and taunts. Nothing of a serious nature occurred, however, and the free workers proceeded homo unmolested. Earlier in the evening tho men had requested that a party from their ranks be permitted to go on board the Rirautaka to speak to the men, but the request was not acceded to.