LABOUR TROUBLES.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 15603, 5 November 1912, Page 6

LABOUR TROUBLES.

DISTURBANCES AT WAIHI.

WILD SCENES.

(Peh United Press Association.)

WAIHI, November 4. A remarkablo scene was enacted in Iho main street on Saturday evening as the outcome of a big rally by the unemployed and their women folk, chiefly directed against one or more prominent contractor* who had resumed work during the afternoon. There were indications of unusual activity amongst tlio men and women, and at an early hour in the evening the usual Saturday night sightseers throiigrd the main street. Jly way of a curtainraiser to the big rally of lUH'inployrd and its sensational sequel, ill-smelling eggs were projected inditcriminalcly amongst tho crowd in different streets, The signal for tho rally was the appearance of the contractor referred to. His presence had an almost startling effect on the women. As ho came within range of vision, with a great cry they rushed towards him, howling and hurling all kinds of epithets. They were quickly joined by others, and presently those in Ihc Miners' Hull made their exit and helped to swell the increasing number, which consisted mostly of women and girls, mid pandemonium ensued. Prior to this there were only ten notice on street duly. After the first onslaught bv the women the contractor turned back, mid the crowd went alter him. Later lie was followed up the main street by a yelling crowd. At the street corner the police took a determined stand and barred progress. Tho mob, with the women in the lead; were forcibly pushed Kick amongst the oncoming crowd.

At this juncture mounted constables swept up the main street, scattering the crowd from right, 1o left, most of'them fleeing on to the already congested pavements on the other side of the street. On reaching the corner, the chief point of interest, a constable rode on to thu pavement right into tho thickest of the howling, excited crowd. Down the footpath he rode, scattering men and women in in! directions, jhosc armed with waddies and sticks dropped them in their frantic efforts to get out of the way of the horse. Many rushed through and over M'Glushan's timber yard fence. Amongst those who adopted this means of escape, eays an eve-witness, was Mr Semple. The sceno opposite the Miners' Union 1 all as the mounted oonstablo approached almost beggars description. Men and women fought their way into the narrow entrance of tho hall, manv of the women, It is said, being thrust aside by the men in their eagerness to get inside. Meanwhile an immense throng had assembled f\n the opposite pavement. After elfectually clearing the pavement on the Union J {all side of Ihc street, the constable directed his attention to ihc other side, there he repeated the same performance. Dashing on to tho footpath, the crowd riisnrd for shelter in all manner of places. within five to ton minutes of the appearance on the scene of the mounted |>olico and mob was dispersed and comparative timet restored. A remarkable feature of the incident was that nobodv was injured.

UNWATEBIKC TUB MINES. BUMPING COMMENCED. O'er United Press Association.) WAIIII. November 4. Alter nearly six months' cessation of pumping at t[ )c Waihi mine, Iho work of unwatering was commenced this morning. At 1 p.m. the water in Ihe shaft had been reduced by 2ft. Eight additional experienced miners went on to-day.