THE WAIHI SITUATION.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXVI, Issue 10477, 12 October 1912, Page 5

THE WAIHI SITUATION.

PexCPress Association. Wellington, October 11, The Huntly coal miners assembled at the mine as usual this morning, bat were informed that only those who worked yesterday would be permitted to resume. The strikers assembled iu the hall, and speeches were delivered advising solidity and orderliness. If the output of the mines stops for even a few days, the_ Huntly Brick Mill Company, which employs 86 men, must close. Auckland, October 11.

About 20 labourers employed on civic work went off yesterday to take part in the procession, and they were somewhat surprised when they turned up this morning, to find that they could not go on. They were informed that they could not be taken on without reference to the Local’ Bodies’ Association, which had passed a resolution to the effect that if any men went off, local bodies would hold themsleves free to fill their places. It was rather remarkable that some half dozen men on the same job who had worked yesterday became annoyed because the strikers were not taken .on, and insisted that their hoilday-making mates should be given their jobs again. The protesters were immediately paid off. The job the men were on is one for which there is no great hurry, hut fresh bauds will be taken on, and these are already offering. Waihi, October 12.

In connection with the published statement by P. Eraser re five less men going to work on Wednesday and that only sixty tons of ore were sent to the battery for crushing on ‘Wednesday, the Superintendent of Waihi Company stated this morning that five men returned to the battery on account of puttting on two shifts, and that 360 not 60 tons of ore were crushed. He further stated that they are now crushing over 600 tons a day, and three shifts will be nut on next week when the tonnage per day will be increased to 400 tons.

DISGRACEFUL CONDUCT OF WOMEN. Waihi, October |l3. The alleged disgraceful conduct of a number of women and children at the residence of Mr McWilliams, a court official, has had a serious effect on the resident referred to. McWilliams, who had been suffering from influenza has now had a serious relapse as a result of the scenes which occurred around his house and the result also of disgusting language used to his wife the other day by a large crowd engaged in screeching intermingled with expressions of unprintable‘iuvectives. One woman threatened to burn down the house. The effect upon McWilliams is such as necessitates his calling in a doctor. The doctor appealed to the Union which said it would do what it could to suppress annoyance but had very little control over the women. McWilliams had to arm himself for the protection of his wife, children and property. Two constables are now in attendance at night. No reason is assigned for the riotous behaviour. Mrs McWilliams, is a leading vocalist in town, and on many occasions has rendered valuabe services in organising concerts in aid of the Miners’ Benevolent Fund, and individual miners who had met with mishaps. It is urged that as the police are insufficiently strong in numbers to cone with” the conduct of the women a Citizens’ Force should be enrolled.

DEMONSTRATION AT LYTTELTON. Christchurch, October 12. The watersiders at Lyttelton whose Union is affiliated to the Federation of Labour held a demonstration this morning, about 150 out of 350 taking part. There was no public intere°t' in the proceedings. The demonstrators marched to the gaol, where brief addresses were delivered. Subsequently they gathered in front of the Star Agency and carried resolutions condemning the Massey Government _ for the unjust, unmanly and vicious treatment of Waihi strikers, and pledged themselves to use every _ effort to secure the release of the imprisoned strikers. The steamers Kaipara, Arawa and' Maori discharged their cargo by permanent hands, the firemen in some cases assisting. Other steamers ’in port were not worked. Some watersiders expressed their • willingness to turn to but stated this was impossible in view of the decision of the Union.