PROPOSED MEDIATION.

Otago Witness, Issue 3116, 3 December 1913, Page 28

PROPOSED MEDIATION.

REJECTED BY EMPLOYERS’ COMMITTEE. REFUSAL TO MEET FEDERATION OF LABOUR. WELLINGTON, November 28. The Employers’, Farmers’ and Citizens’ Defence Committee held a meeting- to-day to consider the proposal to hand over the dispute to Sir Joshua Williams’s arbitrament. The following report of the proceedings was supplied to the press: , “At a conference held on October 28, before the Prime Minister (the Hon. W. F. Massey) with the representatives of the Waterside Workers Union, the latter being headed by Mr W. T. Young, certain proposals were made by the employers’ representatives which the Wellington Waterside Workers’ Union rejected. During that conference the Prime Minister suggested that Sir Joshua Williams might bo willing to act as arbitrator, but tlie proposal was very coldly received by the representatives of the Wellington Waterside Workers’ Union. On the morning of October 29 a mass meeting of Wellington waterside workers was held at 9.30 o’clock. Later in the day Mr Young waited upon the chairman of the Shipowners’ Committee (Mr W. A. Kennedy), and informed him that the waterside workers he represented had ‘ turned down ’ the proposal made by the employers. The chairman of the Ship-owners’ Committee then asked Mr Young whether the suggestion made by the Prime Minister, that Sir Joshua Williams should be asked to act as arbitrator, had been considered. Mr Young then replied that the proposal, had not boon put before the meeting, but when he returned to it he would put the proposal to the meeting. At 3.30 p.m. on the same day Mr Young again called upon the chairman of the Shipping Committee. He then made a statement to him. Mr N. Galbraith and Mr D. Aiken wore present. This statement was as follows: ‘ The men want the agrecmoiit reinstated without any guarantee as to “stop-work” meetings, especially in view of the agreement being a national one. They are of the opinion that any such condition put into the agreement should bo considered and discussed when the new national agreement conies forward next year. Such a proposition agreed to would then apply to all ports in Now Zealand. Respecting the question of Mr Justice Williams, the men are of opinion that there is nothing to arbitrate upon except on# point—that is, whether the agreement shall be reinstated or otherwise.’ This statement was taken down verbatim at the time, and read over to Mr Young, and lie confirmed it. The Employers’, Farmers’, and Citizens’ Defence Committee now states emphatically that the time has gone by for further negotiations. Work at the ports is now progressing in a manner that is completely satisfactory to tlie employers. They have no intention whatever of entering into agreements, arrangements, or understandings of any sort whatsoever that will in any way place them in such position as will in any degree prejudice their relations with the thousands of unionists now at work in all the ports to whom they are already morally and legally committed". Finally, the Employers’ Farmers’, and Citizens’ Defence Committee wish it to bo understood as plainly as possible that they will not meet, negotiate, treat, or confer with tlie Federation of Labour or any representative thereof.” STATEMENT BY FEDERATION OFFICIALS. WELLINGTON, November 28. The Federation of Labour officials stated to-night, in reference to the employers' refusal to submit the dispute to the arbitrament of Sir Joshua Williams:—“lt is now apparent that the sole reason actuating the employers in continuing the struggle was a desire to wipe out all forms of organisation not palatable to them. The sole responsibility for the continuance of the dispute now rests upon the employers. All the unions engaged in the strike were sincere in a desire to see a epoedy settlement.” PROSECUTION OF STRIKE LEADERS. W. T. YOUNG’S CASE. WELLINGTON, November 27. The first of the oases against the strike leaders was commenced to-day. The court was again crowded. Specials guarded both the inside and the outside, as well as all the approaches to the building. There was a stir in court when William '1 hornas Young was called Do was charged with inciting persons to resist the police. Mr Ostler ap-pe-ared for the Crown, and Mr Wiiford and Mr O’Regan for the defence. In his opening address Mr Ostler said there seemed to be an opinion tbat'Y’oune was arrested because he was a loader of the strike. Nothing could bo more absurd. Everybody was within his rights in ‘loing a strike leader. On the other hand, everybody had the right to work. The speech the accused was charged with making was delivered on October 26. Both before and after that date there were scenes of violence and rioting in Wellington. Owing to that the Government took steps to regain command of the streets, and it was in that connection that accused uttered the words charged against him. To every fair, thinking man, and according to the law, an inciter to violence was worse than the man who actually committed the deed. Counsel proceeded to ‘call evidence. Mr Wiiford stated that counsel for the prosecution had said that the law must) bo obeyed. That was also the argument of the defence. “ My defence,” said Mr Wiiford, “ will he that although it may bo proved that, the words in the charge were actually used by the defendant, these words are no offence at law. The defence is absolutely and wholly a legal one. Onr contention is that there was no offence at law.” In his argument on the legal aspect, Mr Wiiford dealt with the general question of “ incitement ” under section 68 of the Police Offences Act. lie contended that an incitement under tins section must be an incitement of a person or now to resist a particular constable actually doing some act which was in the execution of hv duty. An address to a crowd to the effect “ if at any future time a constable strikes one of you. strike him back ” was not an offence under this section. The section dealt first ing a constable in the execution of hia duty. The other words “ incite or encourage ” were interposed in the same sentence, and therefore the words “ in the execution of his duty ” could only have one meaning. If a man was being arrested bv a constable and a bystander called out “ kick him.” that was inciting to resist. If a bystander railed out to others “come along and wo will give him a time”, meaning to

attack the constable so that he should let his prisoner go, that would be inciting to assault or obstruction; but in the jiresent case nothing of the sort had taken place. When the speech was made there were no constables “executing the duty” to which the speech was in respect of any particular constable or constables. Mr O’Regan also addressed the court. His Worship intimated that in view of the importance of the questions raised ho would take time to consider the matter, and give his decision at as early a date as possible. In answer to Mr Wilford, Mr Ostler saia ho proposed to hold over the action for sureties of the peace. Mr Wilford contended that as the same words were relied upon in this charge as were depended on in & charge already proceeded with there could not bo two prosecutions for the one offence. The surety case must therefore be dropped by the prosecution. HLa Worship said be did not think it was necessary to go into the question of sureties at the present time. The accused was remanded till Thursday, December 4. THE OTHER CASES. WELLINGTON, November 28. George Bailey, who was for some time chairman of the strikers’ open air meetings in Wellington, was charged with inciting people to commit a breach of the peace. Mr O’Rogan, who appeared for the accused, agreed to the accused being hound over, but asked that the sureties bo not made too heavy or the accused would be unable to find them. The Magistrate remarked that Bailey did not appear to have been a leader. Ho would he bound over to keep the peace for 12 months in his own recognisance of £2OO and two sureties of £2OO each. Peter Fraser, secretary of the Social Demorcratic party, was similarly charged, and was bound over for the same period, in the same sureties as Bailey. _ . . A charge against Fraser of-diaving incited the resistance of the police was withdrawn. The cases of Semple, Holland, and Barker were remanded till December 4. when the decision in Young’s case will bo given. Counsel stated that the defence in (ach case would be similar to that in Young s. TWO MORE ARRESTS. WELLINGTON, November 28. This afternoon Samuel Thompson, who is said to bo a wharf labourer on strike, was arrested on a charge of participating in the Waterloo quay riot on October 30. Samuel Jansen, also a wharf labourer, was arrested on a charge of rioting on the Queen’s wharf on October 25. It is alleged he took part in the attacks on the free labourers working on the steamers Defender and Navua. THE CORINTHIC’S FIREMEN. MEN RETURN TO WORK. WELLINGTON, November 28. Twenty-eight of the Corinthic’s firemen pleaded guilty in the Magistrate’s Court to-day to a charge of refusing duty. The men were given the chance of gong back to their ship if they promised not to repeat their refusal to obey orders. Ihrce expressed their readiness to return, and they were ordered to come up for sentence when called on. The others wore sentenced to a month’s imprisonment, and ordered to be placed on board the vessel if she leaves New Zealand in the meantime. Later in the morning counsel for the proseoution said he understood all the men were willing to go back and obey orders if the magistrate would remit the sentence. Mr Riddell said the men should know their own minds. He, however, agreed that they should be brought before him in the afternoon. . In the afternoon counsel mentioned that the men had agreed to return to work, and the magistrate altered his decision, ordering the men to come up for sentence when called upon, on the understanding that they agreed to obey the captain’s commands in future. THE MAUNGANUI’S CREW. FIFTY-FOUR MEN ARRESTED. WELLINGTON, November 27. Fifty-four of the Maunganui’s crew were arrested to-day on a charge of desertion. The-men came before the court to-day. Counsel said the men were willing to go back to the ship if the magistrate ordered them to do so The facts were admitted, and the defence hinged upon the construction of the articles. The cases were remanded till December 6, bail being granted in the sum of £lO each. THE PRODUCE MARKET WELLINGTON, November 28. The produce salesmen report that the markets are rapidly recovering, and that the conditions are now almost back to normal. MEETING OF STRIKERS. SEEING THE STRUGGLE THROUGH. AUCKLAND, November 28. At a meeting of waterside workers on strike a motion was carried unanimously expressing a renewed determination to see the present struggle through to tiie bitter end. There wore 400 members present out of a union membership of 4SO. Tho treasurer of the union announced that, although strike funds were coming in fairly freely, it would be necessary to reduce the strike pay from 15s 6d to 14s 6d per week. NEW SEAMEN’S UNION. ALCKLAND, November 28. The membership of tho new union of seamen has been increasing steadily during tho last few days, and lias now reached a total of 190. Of this number a large proportion, including 30 A.B.’s, have joined tho Northern Company’s fleet. BREACHES OF THE LAW. FOOLISH TRAM CONDUCTOR. AUCKLAND, November 27. In tho Magistrate’s Court to-day a tram conductor named Hcrlihy was fined £3, ■with the alternative of 14 days’ imprisonment, on each of two charges of using insulting language in a tramcar and assaulting a passenger. The evidence ehowed that tho accused was overheard by a passenger relating how ho had refused a free labourer a passage on hie car. The passenger remonstrated with tho conductor, who retorted that if he did- not mind his own business ho would bo treated in the same

manner. Further words passed, and accused seized hold of the passenger, but another man on the car intervened, and pereuaded the conductor to desist. As the passenger was leaving the car the conductor used insulting language. For driving a motor car in a dangerous way by sending it into a troop of special constables Harry Hill was fined £5, with the alternative of 14 days’ imprisonment. DISCUSSION BY METHODISTS. AUCKLAND, November 27. At the meeting of the Methodist Synod this morning the Rev. Mr Garland moved a resolution expressing admiration and appreciation of the manner in which the city came out of the strike ordeal, at the prompt and wise form of the measures taken for the maintenance of order, the ready response of the men in town and country to the call of duty, the self-control of the great body of men who desired to better their conditions, expressing sympathy with the toilers in their organised effort at self-preservation and a just share of tue profits of their toil, but deploring the tact that they had temporarily fallen into the hands of unworthy loaders who by an iniquitous disregard of the rights of tnc employers had caused ru n and evil to liie workers themselves. , After the motion had been d.ecusscu briefly attention was drawn to the fact that press renrcscnt.itivcs were present. ins Synod want into committee, and when it resumed it was announced that the motion had not been adopted. SPECIALS AND THE STRIKERS. CHRISTCHURCH, November 23. So far there have been no cases of trouble between the specials and strikers, and many of the former when off duty stroll singly about the streets. Last night the specials guarding the tunnel were made the ob;cct of a cowaid.y attack by some miscreant. Ihero is a supply of stone for a retaining wall which in being built along the upper road and one of these big lumps of rock was hurled over the parapet above the tunnel, bortunatcly nono of tlio specials was noa»r when it fell. RESTORATION OF NORMAL CONDITIONS. CHRISTCHURCH, November 28. From outward appearances it wmuld have been difficult to gather to-dav that there was anything in the nature of a strike in Christchurch. So largo is the number of drivers who have returned to their work that transport operations arc practically assuming their normal conditions, and email patro’s of mounted special constables were about the only sign of anything unusual in the city’s activities. Messrs Skelton. Frostick. and Co. have reopened their Zealandia boot factory, tjie clickers resuming this morning. machinists will resume to-morrow, and the benchers and finishers on Tuesday. Arthur Kirby. George Webb and R. Mason wore bound over to keep the peace. They had ridiculed patrol specials who were passing the factory where they were working. PROPOSED LEVY FOR STRIKERS. WESTPORT. November 28. A ballot was taken by the Westport branch of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants on a proposal to strike a levy of 5 per cent, on behalf of the strikers. The proposal was defoaetd by 68 votes to 26. Twenty-seven papers were not returned. NO CHANGE IN GREYMOUTH. (From flnn Own- Couhespondent.) GREYMOUTH, November 28. Locally the strike position shows no alteration. 'Though sonic merchants are in favour of reopening the port, the idea does not appear to find general favour, ft being recognised that it would be almost impossible to provide adequate protection. The train service is to bo further reduced. MAIIENO LEAVES SYDNEY. \ SYDNEY, November 28. The Maheno left here for Auckland at 1 this morning. A wireless message from the Maheno, when she was 200 miles off the land, reported that all was well. COAL FOR NEW ZEALAND. STEAMERS BEING CHARTERED. SYDNEY, November 28. In view of the sticking up of the Tofua, the steamer Aporu, owned by Messrs Nelson and Roberts, is being placed in commission for the’Fiji trade. One object is to provide the islanders with supplies of Christmas goods. It is reported that a number of steamers have been chartered or are being chartered to carry Newcastle coal to New Zealand. SYDNEY RAILWAY EMPLOYEES. SYDNEY, November 28. The secretary of the Amalgamated Tramway and Railway Service Association says that considerable anxiety exists among members of the association at Darling Harbour regarding the possible extension of the New Zealand strike to the Darling Harbour goods yards. A shipment of fruit from New Zealand was expected to-day, but there is no evidence available as to whether it had been handled by non-unionists or not. The railwayman are determined not to unload anything which has been declared “black.” The secretary has warned them not to act on their own initiative, but to consult the executive. NEW ZEALAND DELEGATES. SOME ASTOUNDING STATEMENTS. SYDNEY, November 28. Mr Parry, representing the New Zealand Federation of Labour, addressed the Sydney Labour Council last night. He said the coal miners and waterside workers had been forced into the dispute. For the last two years the employers had been raising money for the purpose of smashing unionism by means of bogus unions. After the present dispute began the men stated their willingness to negotiate with the employers, but, when they met, the Employers’ Federation found the Prime Minister was on its side. New Zealand might just as well have a wooden block for Prime Minister. The federation bad been promised that the special constables would not bo allowed to promenade while the parties were negotiating. but on the first night of the conference the specials were shooting, down union-

ists in the street, in an attempt, as they believed, to intimidate the union representatives at the conference. Mr Massey had evidently decided in favour of the Employers’ Federation before over the conference was held. The employers had taken iif) the attitude that, though they themselves could organise in any manner they desired, the workers should not be permitted to do so. The two delegates will interview the coal miners and trimmers at Newcastle to-night. The Now Zealand strike delegates visited Newcastle and .conferred with the executive of the Colliery Employees’ Federation. The nature of the business has not been disclosed. STRIKE COMMITTEE ARRESTED. A sudden and surprising development took place on Saturday morning, when the police effected the arrest of the members of the local Strike Committee on charges of intimidatory conduct. Just on noon the members of the committee —Robert Miller, Alexander May, James Prondergast, William John Dwight, Joseph Moorohcad, and John Criffcn—wore together in the waterside workers’ shelter at the corner of Rattray street wharf, when Chief Detective Herbert and Detective Ward stepped into the room and intimated to tire six men that they wore under arrest. The committee received the intimation calmly, and after being .granted a few niooments in which to complete their arrangements and dispose of the business in hand, they walked quietly out, accompanied by the detectives. At the time of their arrest the committee was arranging the union finances for the purposes of relief pay. 'There was no show of force by the police, though men were available were they required, and the little procession hardly excited more than casual curiosity as it wound it way to the police station. The six men were formally charged soon after their arrest a special sitting of the court belling held in Superintendent Dwyer’s office.—Mr M. Fraer, J.P., presided, Mr Fraser, K.C., appeared for the Crown, and Mr W. G. Hay represented the accused. Mr Fraser asked for a remand until Monday morning, at 10 o’clock. Mr Fraer intimated that in tho circumstances he could not grant bail, and the accused were remanded. A report of tho hearing of tho case appears elsewhere. TXJFFIN BEFORE THE COURT. One of the strike pickets named Arthur Tufiin, who was taken into custody on Friday evening, owing to the alleged use of obscene and insulting language to tho arbitrationists working on tire Invercargill, appeared before the court on Saturday morning. Two charges had been formulated against Tufiin, as loilow: —(1) That, on November 28, he did use obscene language in a public place—to wit, the Kitchener street wharf; and (2) that he did use insulting language within the meaning of section 28 of “ The Police Offences Act. 1908,” in a public place —to wit. tho Kitchener street wharf—within the hearing of passers by, with the intent to provoke a breach of tho peace. Air B. S. Irwin appeared for the accused, and stated that as he had only just been consulted ho would ask for a remand. Ho also wished to confer with some of the witnesses in tho case. Tuffin was remanded to appear to-morrow. Bail was allowed the accused in his own recognisance of £SO and one surety of £SO. ON THE WHARVES. Work proceeded briskly on the wharves on Saturday morning, and by the time word came to cease work for the day tho discharging of the Taviuni was practically completed. After finishing work for the day a number of the arbitrationiets came ashore quietly and without interference, while for those elected to remain on board a piano was placed on the Moeraki to help them to while away the hours. MASS MEETINGS. Tho strikers held two mass meetings in the Triangle on Sunday—one at 3 p.m. and the other at 7 p.m. Despite the inclemency of the weather, the meetings were fairly well attended. Tho speakers who have addressed tho previous mootings were, with one or two exceptions, heard at both gatherings. Tho chief topic was, of course, tho arrest of the Strike Committee. EXPORTS OF BUTTER AND CHEESE. HEAVY SHIPMENT FROM THE BLUFF. Mr J. R. Scott, secretary of tho South Island Dairy Association, reports that, thanks to the excellent arrangements made by the shipping companies, tho export of cheese from Otago and Southland is very satisfactory, despite the difficulties which have hud to be overcome. He states that tho Kia Ora left Bluff on Saturday, taking 2637 crates of cheese and 7340 boxes of butter from Otago, and 8935 crates of cheese from Bluff. The value of this produce is fully £56,000, uzid the cash will all bo in the hands of producers early this week. Besides this, tho Kia Ora took some 8000 crates of frozen rabbits, as well as largo shipments of wool, flax, tallow, and many other commodities, including several casks of valuable sealskins. Her total cargo must represent a very largo sum of money. About 700 boxes of the butter were shipped by the Waitaki dairy factory, and tiio balance by the Taien and Peninsula Company. “By the Rimutaka, sailing from Bluff next week,” said Mr Scott, "my association will ship 6000 crate- of choose from Southland, and probably 4000 boxes of butter from Otago. I am also arranging to ship some 2000 crates of Otago cheese from Dunedin at an early date. We shall after this be at normal conditions. In fact, wo are almost that now, despite this disastrous and unwarrantable strike.” POSITION IN WELLINGTON. BUSY DAY ON THE WHARVES. WELLINGTON, November 30. Good work in handling cargo on the wharves was accomplished on Saturday, in spite of some delay caused by rain. The steamer Canada Cape, from San Francisco, was berthed, and commenced discharging. while the overseas ships Sturrnfols and Hercules were also busy, as well aa a number of coastal vessels. Tho Homo liner Opawa completed loading wool and hemp, and was ready to leave for London \ to-day, but owing to some of her firemen deserting during the night tho

vessel is now held up in the stream. '..'lie membership of the new union is 1600.

POSITION EXPLAINED. MESSAGE SENT TO MR HUGHES. WELLINGTON, November 30. Tho Employers’ Defence Committee is cabling to Mr W. M. Hughes, M.P., at Sydney to-day as follows: — “ The committee, representing a very large section of the general cbmmunity, believing you must bo unaware of the actual position in New Zealand, desires to inform you that arbitration by Sir Joshua Williams was refused by the President of the Federation of Labour when a compromise was possible. Serious rioting subsequeutly took place, and continued till it was put down by the addition of special mounted and foot constables to the permanent police force. Speeches by the Federation of Labour leaders indicated tho impossibility of a settlement by compromise. At a conference with the Prime Minister in the chair, the employers demanded registration under Lie Arbitration Act. which was refused by tho federation delegates. The employers then asked the federation delegates to offer the next best tiling, providing for an independent tribunal, without securing any response. At tho same conference the employers also offered to submit the question to a secret ballot of the Waterside Workers Union, but this also was refused. Tho only proposal made by tho federation delegates was to accept tho money penalty previously offered by tho shipowners and refused by tho waterside union, and wnich had since been foupd by both sides to bo impossible of enforcement. All attempts at arbitration having failed, jiow watorsiders and drivers’ unions, registered under tho Arbitration Act, wore formed. Tho former has a membership of 1600 and the latter one of 250. Tho whole of tho wharf and cartage work is now being done by arbitration unionists. Therefore there is no reason for Australian unionists to refuse to handle Now Zealand cargoes. The employers being definitely committed to support and protect the new unions which are carrying on the work of tho principal dominion ports, and as their registration fulfils tho only condition required by tho employers, there is now nothing left to arbitrate upon, and therefore nothing left to submit to bit Joshua Williams or any other arbitrator. Finally, as tho existence of tho Federation of Labour is, in tho opinion of a very large section of the public, a menace not only to tho business and industries of tno dominion, but to tho security of the whole community, it is impossible for the employers to recognise it m any shape or °“The Employers’ Defence Committee hopes that this explanation will satisfy you that the only course possible has been adopted, and requests that you should have its communication published in the pnn cipal papers of tho Commonwealth for general information. —(Signed) I* oster, chairman.” _____ RECENT DISTURBANCES. OFFENDERS PUNISHED. ADVICE BY THE CHIEF JUSTICE. WELLINGTON, November 30. The first persons to appear in the Supremo Court in connection with the strike troubles were Archibald Campbell and William Henry Lawton, who came bo fore tho Chief Justice on Saturday for sentence for taking part in a not, an offence to which both had pleaded guilty. Mr H H. Ostler represented the Crown, and Mr p. j. O’Regan appeared for the defendanG. Campbell, a respectable looking middle-aged man, Mr O’Regan said the prisoner was already serving a srntsncG of two months on a conviction lithe lower court in connection with exactly the same circumstances. He had been found on tho occasion of tho Royal Tiger affray with a formidable bludgeon in tho shape of a load pipe in his possession. It was for this that he was serving his pre sent sentence. Tho prisoner could not be described as a rogue and vagabond. He was a waterside worker, and was married, and had a family. The reriort of ..the probation officer stated that tho accused was generally a respectable man who occasionally indulged too much in liquor. There had been no charge against him previously. Ho had been under the influence of liquor at the time of the offence, and was in a most excited state of mind. His Honor said tho excitement would not have made him arm himself with lead pipe and bricks . , , , ■ Mr O’Regan: He might have made himself liable to a far more serious charge, but these offence? arose out of the same sot of circumstances for which the prisoner is already serving a sentence, and I submit that it is not competent for this court to impose any additional sentence. His Honor: I have not overlooked that point. There is, however, no identity in offence. The offences are separate. He took part in a riot, and ho had a bludgeon in his possession. This latter was not necessarily essential to taking part in a not. Mr O’Regan suggested that the sentence should be made concurrent with the sentence already being served. In regard to tho case of Lawton, who took a prominent part in the riot in Whitcombe and Tombs’s shop on October 30, Mr O’Regan said the prisoner was 21 years of ago, and with the exception of an offence committed eight years ago, when he was a boy, there was nothing against him. His Honor: I do not propose to count tho early offence. I may say that if the Crown had proceeded under section 89 of the Crimes Act the prisoner would have been liable to a sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment for incitement to murder. Mr O’Regan : Ho was in a high state of tension and nervous excitement. His Honor: Some of the riots were characterised by grave deliberation. I have carefully considered these cases. These men have nothing against them _in the shape of a previous record. Both have pleaded cruilty to a crime which the Legislature has said may bo punished by two years’ imprisonment with hard labour. The court has also power to order reformative treatment for a further 10 years. I hope both men have now realised tho grave nature of the crime with which they arc charged. It was a crime, not against the individual, but against the whole community. If there was no peace kept in the community war and anarchy would ensue, and people could no longer live m such a community. I shall take into consideration the foot that you have pleaded guilty. That weighs heavily with mo aa

silo >nng a consciousness that you have done wrong. It shows that you reel that your conduct was entirely that of bad citizens, not that ot good Citizens. You have been treated with groat leniency already in that there might have been a further proceeding against you for assault as an indictaoio offence. \ou were guilty also of sabotage—the wilful destruction ot property. . You have been leniently dca.lt with in that' the proceedings against you were made of a summary nature. 1 shall deal with you leniently also because you havo pleaded guilty, and have not attempted to do what is otten done—bring forward witnesses in justification. It is impossible to deal with your cases lightly. This is a very much more serious offence than stealing property or crimes of that class. It is a crime against public order. Had it not been for the men who voluntarily came forward to maintain peace and order the community might havo been in a very serious position to day. No community can allow its peace to bo disturbed or it would not be worthy to bo called a civilised community. Hia Honor then sentenced Campbell to eight months’ imprisonment with hard labour, in addition to the two months already being’ served. Lawton was sentenced to nine months’ imprisonment, with hard labour, in addition to three months ho is now serving—l2 months’ imprisonment in all Hia Honor directed that Lawton should be committed to the Invercargill Gaol, where he might receive suitable treatment. Hubert Adams, a middle-aged bootmaker, was charged, in the Magistrate’s Court with interfering with special constables’ horse# and using obscene language. Ho was fined £3, in default one week in gaol. ACTIVITY IN AUCKLAND. CONDITIONS ALMOST NORMAL. AUCKLAND, November 30. There has been no cessation in activity of work amongst shipping during the past week, and throughout that period th® berthage available lias been occupied almost continuously Now the Harbour Board authorities are able to deal with the vessels as they arrive, and the conditions on the waterfront are rapidly drifting back to normal.

The Union Company has scoured a crew for the Atua, wnich will leave for tha Islands and Sydney on Monday.

SPECIAL CONSTABLE ASSAULTED. AUCKLAND, November 30. In the Police Court to-day Thomas Kelly and George Morris, two seafaring moi, were charged with having assaulted it, special constable. Kelly waa further charged with obscene 'language. Tho Mag.strato described tho assault an unprovoked and brutal, and sentenced Kelly to six weeks’ and Morris to three week*' imprisonment with hard labour.

THE FARMERS’ INTEREST. AUCKLAND, November 30

Tho recent movement to establish a Farmers’ Union Constabulary Corps, to be ready at a moment’s notice in case of emergency, has assumed a delinite shape, and econstitution has now been framed by tb,. provisional committee get up to draft rules. According to the constitution drawn ujt the objects are:—Tho preservation of farmers’ righto and the maintenance of law and order. The corps is to bo organised by and under tho control of tho Farmers’ LniocMembers are to consist of farmers and othei , directly or indirectly interested in farming and will also include professional men living in country Members must be over 21 years of age. 'Tlie organisation ia to ha run as a military body, under the rules laid down in tho King’s and other army regulations and the New Zealand regulations. The force is to be formed into troops of 24 men and one officer, four troops to ba a squadron, and four squadrons a regiment. Tho squadron staff is to be as follows: Squadron leader, second in command, ser-geant-major, quartermaster-sergeant, farriersergeant. two shoeing smiths, bugler, and orderly. The regimental staff will be: Officer commanding, second in command, adjutant, regimental transport officer, quartermaster, medical officer, veterinary officer, sergeant-major, quartermaster-ser-geant. saddler-sorgcnnt, and two orderly room dorks. Two regiments are to form a brigade, for which there are to be similar officers. Tho organisation is to be appointed by the executive committee in each district to select a selection committee of six, who will then select the balance of the men required to make un tho troop. Tho appointment of officers is' to be by election, the troop electing its leader, tho troop leaders selecting tho squadron leader, and so cn. Tho subscription is to be 5s for tho first year and 2s 6d thereafter annually. Parade# are to be held at least half-yearly. SPECIAL CONSTABLE’S HORSE KILLED. CHRISTCHURCH, November 30. While a special patrol was riding along Colombo street South, near the tailway station, on Saturday morning, a special constable named Davidson, an employee of Mr Grigg and a member of tho Ashburton troop, was jambed between a motor car and a tram. His horse became restive, and before the rider could get clear the tram ran into him. Tho horse was killed, and Mr Davidson suffered a fractured elbow and a slight injury to one knee. SHIPPING WORK AT LYTTELTON. BERTHAGE FULLY OCCUPIED. CHRISTCHURCH, November 39. After an absence of four weeks, during which she has been laid up in the stream at Wellington, the Union Company* steamer Wahine made a welcome reappearance at Lyttelton. The Wahine is manned on deck bv masters and officers, and in the stokehold by arbitrationista. She haa a full comnloment in all departments, and will continue to run in the ferry service in conjunction with the Pateona. The fleet of shins in port on Saturday was as follows:—Wahine, Kowhai, Kairakl, Cygnet. H.M.S. Pyramus. Wakatu, Rimutaka. Kini, Canopus, Opouri, Remuora, Mimiro, Karamu (coaling- tho Remuera), Marore, Dorset, Petone, and the schooner* Eunice, Aratapu, Annie Hill, Lily, Morning Light, and Eliza Firth. The vessels in the stream are: —Corinthic, Kaitangata. Woofcton. and Flora. The total tonnage of the big fleet of shins in nort was over 66,000 tons. About 12 months have elapsed since such a largo fleet waa in the harnour. A great deal of good work hao been accomplished by the members of the_ new Drivers’ Union, which is in a flourishing state. Quite a number of the old hands turned up &i their employers’ piaoe* of

business, and intimated their willingness to resume work.

£ SUPPLIES FOR GISBORNE. i|zip - ■ . Ri ROSAMOND’S! SCRATCH CREW. GISBORNE, November 29. fc-' The steamer Rosamond arrived last evenEni with a large quantity of merchandise including much-wanted supplies of sugar. Captain Dryden stated that the trip fiom Auckland had been very rough, the steamer = -meeting with heavy westerly winds. The vessel has a crew of office men, including a Bolicitor a barrister, two bank clerks, | surveyor, a draper, and two ordinary c.mW BpWitb' reference to bus scratch crew, ~ P lain Dryden said that .they Jfd worked magnificently, and, in spite f act that ' they had never been at sea before, acco P,hed ordinary P«i.e £ hi£ They took turn about at th. although it was a gruelling task they nev SSYill discharge to'night and return to Auckland. t ’ OAMARU TO BE REOPENED. {Fnou Oob Own Coeeesfondent.) . OAMARU, November 29. After having been closed for four weeks, during which time not a single s “ a ® , b • *x o j h- owin°* to the strike, the naiooui fcto witness. a°resumption of operations on iP^No^difficulty will be experienced in unloading and loading the vessels, .a sufhoient number of men having been enrolled m Bp new Arbitration Union to cope with ' the work. |lii s THE TOFUA’S CARGO. SYDNEY, November 29. The Tofua’s bananss nearly caused ’ trouble at the Darling Harbour goods yard -on Thursday and yesterday. The bananas '■have been classified as “black and Qj? land bananas as “white ; but, as both aie '- arriving at the railway yards simultaneously, the men did not know which were which. iUonseouentlv the men were haif inclined to take action without consulting the officia s fe'fthe union. However, two officials prevented precipitate action. , : ■ The men are determined to stand by the Resolution of the Federation of. Labour reLgarding “black” goods. Their executive ||mcci:s to-morrow. , A DELICATE PROBLEM. I REPRESENTATIONS TO NEW SOUTH ; K WALES GOVERNMENT. BfrG SYDNEY, November 29 Kir Campbell, general secretary of the Kew South Wales Farmers and Settlers Association, has received a cablegram from ’ Mr Jack, secretary of the New Zealand '* Farmers’ Union at Wellington, saying: m wm your association approach the bo- [’ vernment and urge the importance of mam- -' taining steamer connection with New Zealand by guaranteeing protection to workers - loading cargo?” . . . Mr Holman, the State Premier, being " absent, the cablegram was submitted to Mr Cann, -Colonial Treasurer, who said: Kifl’he position is very much m the nature a problem, particularly at present. All I can say is that the Government is sworn • to maintain the law, and, as occasion arises, i we shall certainly 7 do our best in that direcH tion.” REFUSAL TO DOCK THE MAKURA. SYDNEY”, November 30. ife The ship painters and dockers have taken Ktt h&nd bv refusing to oock tho Makiua, 7 and this led to calling a meeting of the Iron terade Workers’ Federation to-morrow to Stbonsider the attitude to be adopted by all ’ the affiliated unions. AORANGI GETS AWAY. SYDNEY, November 30. X Aorangi got away at 2 o clock this after- : ’ noon with a scratch crow, x i The Aorangi’s crew 7 refused to take tho ’ vessel out, and it is stated that they have thus committed a breach of agreement. Tho Waipori arrived at Newcastle on SlSaturday from Hawke’s Bay for coal. The coal trimmers boycotted the vessel, but it is j. -.expected that she will get away early on Tuesday, short-loaded. it. EMPLOYERS AND THE LABOUR W- ‘ FEDERATION. '§ COMMENT BY MR HUGHES. SYDNEY, November 29. g, Mr W. M. Hughes, Attorney-general in / the late Federal Ministry, and the president of the Transport Workers’ Federation, has i" : summoned a meeting of the federation, also ||a conference of tho federation, the Australian Workers’ Union, and Labour Fcde- - ration. ’ When questioned if be thought the trouble is would spread, Mr-Hughes replied that he would not like to say, but there was always tho danger that an industrial fire, once ( alight, might spread. iS;:, On being shown a cablegram reporting ptho New Zealand Employers and Citizens’ i" Defence Committee’s reply to the Federation of Labour’s offer to accept Mr Justice Williams’s arbitration, in which it declined f to recognise the federation or any third party, and stating that it would deal only pwitb arbitration unions, Mr Hughes said; If that is really the attitude of the oinS jployers, I am very sorry indeed. A policy gjof sweet reasonableness, was certainly the most desirable, and, quite apart from the Brights and wrongs of the original dispute, of ti wnich I know nothing,. here is an effort—a bona fide effort —made for settlement by peaceful means by - arbitration, with the assurance by 7 responsible leaders that whatgrever the decision the men will loyally abide ‘ by. it. In the face of this it is difficult to the attitude of tho Employers Hand Citizens’ Defence Committee. However, I decline to believe that the employers have rejected this proposal of the men.” REPRESENTATIVE UNIONIST MEETING. If PROCEEDINGS A SECRET. SYDNEY, November 30. If One of the most representative unionist “'gatherings held in , Sydney for many years was held 'yesterday at the headquarters of the Seamen’s’Union to discuss tho position on the f\ waterfront. Among those present were the ' representatives here of the Federated Seamen’s Union of Australasia, the Waterside . Workers’ Federation, the Coal Lumpers’ Union, the Northern and Southern Colliery i Employees’ Unions, the Australian Society pf Engineers, the Federated Furniture

Tyade Australasian Workers’ Union, , the Amalgamated Railway and Tramway Service Union, the Railway Workers and General Labourers’ the Merchant Service Guild of Australasia, and the Australasian Federation of Labour. ; 'The meeting commenced at 11 o’clock in the morning, Mr Wm. Hughes presiding. The proceedings are being kept the greatest eacret. The meeting adjourned at -6 in the evening,’ until Monday morning, when the Seamen's Union also meet.

TROUBLE EXTENDING IN SYDNEY 7 . OVERSEA LINERS AFFECTED. WORK AT DUNEDIN. A big stride in the forward march of the arbitrationists -was made at the wharves on Monday morning, when a vigorous commencement of discharging operations on the Dorset and Tnrakina failed to excite even a show of hostility. The strike pickets, usually übiquitous if unaggressive, had faded from the landscape, their attention presumably being distracted by the impending hearing of the case against the Strike Committee. The Invercargill, which had been held up for about a month, was able to gather a crew 7 together yesterday 7, and sailed for th'south at 5 o’clock with a full cargo. Of the 82 men available, 16 were reserved for the Kamo, which was discharging coal at the Birch street wharf, and the remainder -were distributed between the two big . boats. Work proceeded briskly, the men lunching on the boats on which they were working, and by 5 p.m. from 500 to 350 tons had been removed from the Dorset and some 550 tons or more from the Turakina The majority of the men were taken back to the Moeraki on ceasing work, while tho balance left the wharves and returned to their homes—all without comment or interruption, for the very good reason that the wharves and streets in the vicinity wore deserted so far as strikers -were concerned ARBITRATIONISTS HOUSE DAMAGED. We are informed that a house situated in Howard street (behind tho Railway Station), and occupied by an arbitrationist at. present employed at tho wharf, was visited on Friday” night by some maliciously-disposed person or persons, and panes of the two front-windows smashed. At the time the damage was done there was no one in the house, the wife of the arbitrationist having gone into the town. The matter has been placed in the hands of the police. OPERATIONS IN WELLINGTON. TWENTY VESSELS AT WORK. WELLINGTON. December 1. Work proceeded expeditiously and uninterruptedly on the wharves to-day, inward and outward cargo being handled on 20 vessels. Besides the oversea and coastal ships, the ferry steamer Wahine was taking in cargo, indicating that trade is nearing normal conditions. The enrolment of members of the Wharf Labourers’ Union was very brisk this morning. All the labour available was engaged, approximately 1200 men being at work. In addition to this number, 200 men belonging to the union are awav at sea. The new Waterside Workers’ Union has now a membership of about 1700. The Amalgamated Society of Carpenters has donated £IOO to the strikers’ Distress Committee. THE OPAWA’S FIREMEN. WELLINGTON. December 1. Fifteen firemen on the steamer Opawa appeared in the Magistrate’s Court this morning, charged with absenting themselves frbra tho ship without leave. Counsel said the men had intimated, that they would not work if they were put on board. The Magistrate (Mr Riddell) said the men were aware what the penalty would be if on being placed on board they disobeyed commands on tho high seas. For the present offence they would be convicted and sentenced to 14 days’ imprisonment, with a direction that if the vessel sailed before the expiry of the sentence they should be put on board. The firemen were returned to the Opawa, which left port on her voyage to England. She cleared the Heads at one o’clock, and then when three or four miles out was observed to turn and head back for port. About three o’clock the Opawa w 7 as anchored in the stream, and a police launch went out and 14 men were placed under arrest. GOOD WORK RECOGNISED. WELLINGTON. December 1. At a meeting of the council of tho Wellington Chamber of Commerce to-day a resolution was adopted recording appreciation of the services of the mounted and foot special constables who assisted to maintain law and order during the strike, particularly those from tho country who came so promptly to the assistance of the citizens at a time when the city ’.vas in a state of disorder; further, that the first and unhesitating support given by tire Government to all the necessary steps for the maintenance of law and order, and for keeping open the channels of commerce, deserves the thanks of all citizens. Another resolution expressed appreciation of the work done by tho masters, mates, and engineers of the vessels working, during the strike. POSITION AT AUCKLAND. ATUA SAILS FOR THE ISLANDS. SUPPLIES FOR THE NATIVES. AUCKLAND, December 1. The Pukaki arrived from Gisborne at 8.45 a.in. She took 62 hours on the trip, which is usually done in 30 hours. The vessel encountered very rough weather. Three of the firemen of the scratch crew were ill, and officers filled their places. The most important arrivals looked .forward to to-morrow are the warship Philomel, from the China station, via Thursday Island, and the Union Company’s Maheno, from Sydney direct. The Atua, manned by a “ scratch ” crew, sailed for the Islands and Sydney. The vessel carries stores for the Tongaa and Samoan natives, and other large hues of cargo. For tho first time for some weeks. a large number of members of the old Waterside Workers’ Union congregated at tho head of tho Queen’s wharf asking for work on tho vessels in port. Their names were taken by the secretary, and a ballot of tho

members of the Arbitration Union will be taken to-night to decide who will be admitted.

Ihe total number of waterside workers who have broken away from the strikers is now over 100. There were 1300 members in the old union, but they were not ail regular workers on the waterfront. The return of so many men is regarded as significant, and many people are of opinion that it is the beginning of a stampede. THE AUCKLAND HOTELS. AUCKLAND, December 1. The streets and public places of the city having to-day resumed their ordinary peacefulness, save for the perfectly legitimate exhibition bustle, and the police _ having reported accordingly, it was decided by the c*ty magistrates further to suspend the order of closure made last Monday, and to allow the hotels to remain open to-night from 6 o’clock to 10 o’clock, and again to-morrow from 6 a.m. till 10 p.m. At the last mentioned hour the original order will expire. BUSY DAY AT LYTTELTON. GOOD PROGRESS MADE. CHRISTCHURCH, December 1. After a temporary stoppage caused by heavy rain on Saturday work was resumed in earnest at Lyttelton this morning, and the port was busier than it has been for nearly 12 months. Practically every ship at the wharves was working cargo, and the output was very satisfactory except at those ships which were employing their own crews. Members of the new Arbitration Union were working, and every available man was fully employed. The union, which has been steadily growing in numbers, received several additions to-day, but there is still room for more men. Labour for .the wharves is coming to hand slowly The employers are advertising in the country and offering good wages and protection, but the farmers arc complaining that the result may be a serious shortage of workers later in the season. The number of specials now working on the wharves and retaining their badges and privileges is not available. The officers at the camp state that this is regarded as a temporary expedient only. INDUSTRIES IN CHRISTCHURCH. CHRISTCHURCH, December 1. The workers who were thrown out of employment owing to the port being closed and to the strike of drivers are rapidly resuming work. Very few special constables were to be seen in town to-day. A FOOLISH WOMAN. ARREST AT ADDINGTON CAMP. CHRISTCHURCH, December 1. A woman who abused specials while drunk was sentenced to 14 days’ imprisonment. A man was arrested at Addington camp to-day and removed to the police station. The authorities refuse information _ as to the nature of the charge against him. THE WEST COAST. NO SPECIALS TO BE SENT. WELLINGTON, December 1. It is stated to-day that the Attorney-gene-ral (the Hon. A. L. Herdrnan) contradicts the report from Christchurch that 300 special constables are to bo sent from Christchurch to the West Coast, and says that no authority has been given for the despatch of specials. GREYMOUTH WHARF LABOURERS. IFeom Our Own CorrespondentJ GREYMOUTH, December 1. A special meeting of the Wharf Labourers’ Union will be held to-morrow to consider a proposal to take a secret ballot on the question of refusing to work. If this proposal is agreed to it goes without saying that Grey mouth will immediately become a free port again. COAL FOR CHRISTCHURCH. TIMARU, December 1. Trucks of coal which' were landed here to bo railed to Christchurch had inscribed on them: “‘Scab’ coal from a ‘scab’ port; do not touch it.” TWO MINERS FINED. THREATENING BEHAVIOUR. INVERCARGILL, December 1. At the Police Court at Otautau to-day, before Mr Cruickshank, S.M., two Nightcaps miners out on strike were each fined £2 5s for using threatening behaviour to two workers. The accused waylaid two workers in tho township, and behaved in an objectionable and threatening manner to them. The Magistrate said that the cases were not very serious, but ho advised tho Strike Committee to keep the strikers in order, as the next offender would not be so leniently dealt with. POSITION AT NIGHTCAPS. OBJECTION TO FREE LABOUR. (From Our Own Correspondent.) INVERCARGILL, December 1. The following extract from a letter appearing in to-night’s News indicates that the Nightcaps miners are apparently preparing forcibly to resist tho use of free labour in tho mine. Tho letter is signed by Mr John Price, corresponding secretary of the Nightcaps Miners’ Union:—“lf Mr Handyside (managing director) considers it his duty to his shareholders and the public to fill our places with free labour, wo, on the other hand, consider it our duty to our wives and children to prevent him by any and every means from doing _eo. When a certain body of men have decided to stand together to promote their interests and future welfare, they cannot afford to have their follow workers ‘ratting’ on thorn. Such a course "would b©_ suicidal, and if Mr Handysid© persuades himself that wo are going to retire from this fight gracefully and with a word of gentle apology, or that we are going to lie down and invite him to kick us out, he will find himself very much mistaken. At least those arc my impresSl( The Sawmill Workers’ Union has decided to vote £2O as a first instalment towards the strike fund. DESIRE for. SETTLEMENT. CIRCULAR TO UNIONS. WELLINGTON, December 1. Tho Wellington Trades and Labour Coun-

oil has decided to send a circular to all the Wellington unions not concerned in the strike asking each to send two representatives for the purnose of considering the strike crisis as it now stands, and the practicablencss of setting up a strike settlement committee. The Bootmakers’ Union considered this circular to-night, and expressed the opinion that the Federation of Labour was the only party to deal with the matter. SITUATION AT SYDNEY. BOAT FOR NEW ZEALAND. SYDNEY, December 1. The Union Company’s Paloqna arrived from Hobart to-day with a cargo of fruit and peas, and was discharged by the company’s permanent hands and the fruit merchants The company has definitely decided to depatch a boat to New Zealand on Saturday, but will decide later which boat will be sent. OVERSEA BOATS AFFECTED. WHAKATANE AND INDRAPURA IDLE. SYDNEY. December 1. The latest development is that the strike has extended to the oversea vessels carrying New Zealand cargo. The Whakatano arrived to-day from Montreal, via Melbourne, and the Indrapura, from London, both vessels having part cargo for New Zealand. The wharf labourers began unloading the Whakatano, but, without giving any warning, they ceased. No start at all was made on the Indrapura The Aorangi has sent a wireless message stating that everything is going satisfactorily on board. The Kakapo, Wakatipu, and Karori arc being boycotted at Newcastle by the coal trimmers, but it is expected that the companj'’s own employees will get the required quantity of coal on board. The Ulimaroa is unable to get a crew, and has been laid up. Passengers’ fares have been returned. Cargo which was loaded for New Zealand five weeks ago is still in the hold. THE UNIONIST CONFERENCE. 200,000 WORKERS REPRESENTED. CONFERENCE ADJOURNED. SYDNEY, December 1. The great Unionist Conference on Saturday represented 200,000 workers. Mr Parry was present, representing the New Zealand Federation of Labour, while Mr Starr represented the seamen of New Zealand. The big unionist conference has been adjourned tall to-morrow. The meetings of the Iron Trades Federation and the Seamen’s Union have becnpostponed, pending the decision of the conference It is understood that negotiations are proceeding between representatives of the conference and the shipping companies, but the nature of them has not transpired. POSITION MISREPRESENTED. STATEMENT BY STRIKERS. SYDNEY, December 1. The Labour Council has received an official statement from the strikers’ organisation wherein the following clauses occur: The union has agreed to resume work under the old agreement, and to maintain the status quo of wages and - conditions. The employers demand the abolition of the union and the abrogation of the agreement, as well as a denial of the right of the waterside workers as a whole to organise into one union. Assistance was readily rendered by a large section of the general public, who have shown sympathy -with the desire of the waterside workers to maintain their union ■They will not be beaten into subjection by the hardwood batons and revolvers' of the special constables, who are really not legitiiniatc police. With the legitimate police they have no quarrel. The committee gives its assurance that if the agreement is reinstated, and the union is given a clean slate, work at the port will proceed a.paoo as if no interruption had taken place. The committee points out that the cases in which employers have been charged with breaches of agreement number 436, whereas the employees’ breaches number only 136. If, then, breach of an agreement meant abrogation of it, there would not bo a single award in existence today. The committee sanctions no rioting or disorder. PRESS COMMENT. SYDNEY, December 1. Hie Sydney Morning Herald says:—“The Syndicalist method is on trial in New Zealand, and at present it is a question whether it shall be tried in Australia also.- An appeal has come from the leaders of the movement in New Zealand, who are fast losing ground there, but who look to dragging in Australia as a last desperate resort. The real division both in New Zealand and nore has been, not over the original grievance, but as to the method by which it was attempted to settle it through Syndicalist leaders. New Zealand lias given the world an objoct-lcseon of the Syndicalist method of remedying the grievances of 12 men in a New Zealand seaport. We do not greatly fear an extension of the strike in Sydney tills week. A strike before next Saturday’s elections would ensure one certain result, and Labour leaders are well aware of what that result would be.” EFFECT ON EXPORTS. FUTURE PROSPECTS BRIGHT. The effect of the strike is shown in the exports of the dominion as published in the bi-monthly leaflets (says the New Zealand Trades Review). For the month of October the total value of the principal products exported is returned as £696 775. as compared with £953,202 for October, 1912, and for the first half of November the total is £70,047, against £412,918 in 1912. This is a shortage of £599,300 on the period. This is, however, practically certain to bo made ud in alter returns, na there is every indication that the present season will show a splendid total of production, and a very good level of prices generally may be anticipated. ASSISTANCE FOR STRIKERS. The Australian Workers’ Union has forwarded £SOO as. a first instalment to assist the New Zealand waterside workers on

strike, and the Broken Hill Miners’ Asscm ciation will contribute £IOOO. The Woolongong and Newcastle miners propose to make a levy of Is per head each fortnight. If agreed to bv the lodges this will represent £4OO fortnightly.