WESTPORT RE-OPENED

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8609, 20 December 1913, Page 6

WESTPORT RE-OPENED

FEELING AT MINES IN FAVOUR OF ARBITRATION. FEDERATION HOLD LOOSENED. Press Association. WESTPORT, December 19. Although tho members of the strike committee had said a great deal about not allowing tho port to bo opened, it was found to-day, when tho port was actually opened, that not tho slightest sign of hostility was made. As a matter of fact strikers were conspicuous by their absence, tho majority of them evidently realising by this time, if they had not done it previously, that tho hostile speeches were really a huge game of bluff. The new watorsiders’ union is a hundred strong, and it is understood has closed its list for the time being. Any others desiring to enter tho union must furnish their names and submit to a ballot, and preference of employment is to be given in order of joining tho new union. Notice has been given to tho old watcrsider.s to vacate the shed in which they have hitherto held their meetings. Tweuty-sis police arrived from Wcl-

lington to-day, and citizens have been actively enrolling as specials, but so far there has been no occasion for their services. Tbo Government steamer Hincmoa took in bunker coal, also coa! for lighthouses and some for the Railway Department, all loaded by arbitration labour and without the least molestation. Tho vessel is leaving on her rounds on the morning’s tide. Tho jiublio are waiting to sco tho next move at tho mines, whore it is said there is a very strong nndcrcur. rent in favour of coming under tho Ar-. bitration Act and so ending tho strike. Numerous letters to tho daily press right from tho ranks of Labour, and strongly condemnatory of tho Federation of Labour, give indications of tho trend of tho sentiment of those either hitherto willingly or unwillingly allied to that body. There is a growing impression hero that if the. federation does not speedily call the strike off tho miners will take the initiative themselves.