THE WAIHI SITUATION.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXVI, Issue 10478, 14 October 1912, Page 5

THE WAIHI SITUATION.

. ; TAUPIRI COAL COMPANY. Per'Press Association. Auckland, October 13. The directors of Taupiri Coal Company to-day arrived at a definite course of action in regard to the action of Huntly miners absenting themselves from work on Thursday, hut as the Company is a member of the Coal Mine owners’ Association the matter has been referred to the Association for approval. Tne-mines will not he open for work on Monday, by which time a reply will be received from the Association. Huntly is reported very quiet. The decision of the Taupiri Company is being anxiously waaited. Westport, October 18. A mass meeting of miners, watereiders and others was held in Victoria Square this afternoon, and addresses were delivered by Messrs Dowgray (Reefton), Semple and others,, relative to the mining disputes at Waihi and Reef ton. _ A resolution was carried protesting against the action of the Government (alleged to be assisting the mine owners) in their against the miners, and also against the gaoling of Waihi strikers. The meeting was of a very orderly character. Lyttelton, October 13. The Waterside Workers; demonstration against the imprisonment of Waihi miners was carried out yesterday in threatening weather. Although - the membership of the Union, comprises nearly 350 members, all that took part in the procession did not exceed 150, and a number of these were recruits from Christchurch. A procession was formed up outside the Coronation Hall shortly after 9.30 am. Conspicuous in it was the display of red badges worn by many of the men, while large pictorial banners also figured most prominently. The proceedings en route were very quiet, and little interest was taken by residents. When the gaol grounds had been encircled, a halt was made in front of the main entrance. The men formed a ring, and speeches denouncing the imprisonment of the men wore delivered.

With the exception of the Union Company’s Monwai and Kittawa, and in the case of the oil steamer Wimbledon, work proceeded as usual along the water front. The local agents of the chartered steamer Kaipara had ordered the men for eight o’clock, but they failed to put in an appearance. The company, however, had no difficulty in fulfilling the requirements. Sailors and firemen turned out, and discharge operations were carried out as usual. The Shaw Savill and Albion Co.’S Arawa was in a like position, but permanent hands took charge of, the winches, and cargo was unloaded with despatch. No labour was available for coaling the HarbourBoard dredge Canterbury, but dredge hands filled the .breach, and work was completed without a hitch. The Union Co. ’s permanent staff worked mails, luggage and cargo on board the Maori, and little inconvenience was felt.

A procession was afterwards held in Christchurch. Speeches were given in Latimer Square and Victoria Square,* Timaru, October 13.

About 40 watersiders walked in a procession with many hundreds looking on and following to a suitable stand for speeches. Two leading members spoke some time in condemning the Government and the Press, the former for imprisoning the Waihi men, and the latter for fighting against the Federation. Other workers who had refused to take part in the demonstration were taken to task and brought a reply and a lively discussion. A resolution was declared carried, and a petition was signed demanding the release of the Waihi men. No work was interfered with, as no vessel was in port. Wellington, October 13. Wellington Wharf Labourers’ Union decided yesterday to take a secret ballot next Tuesday and Wednesday as to whether next Saturday shall be observed as a full holiday for the purpose of holding a demonstration of sympathy with imprisoned Waihi miners. Waihi, October 14. Strike affairs are quiet. This morning the usual crowd assembled at the -main street tc watch the men going to work. About a dozen extra hands went on this morning. NO TROUBLE AT NAPIER.

Napier, October 14. No trouble was experienced in regard to unloading to-day. Mr Hurst, president of the waterside workers, stated that the men are working under an agreement, which is being observed by both sides. Asked about the Lyttleton trouble, he said the Union were affiliated to the red feds, and that local workers were not, and did not, intend to be. TROUBLE AT AUCKLAND. Auckland, October 14. As a result’ of tvo Borough Councils and two private contractors having refused employment to workmen who took a holiday last Thursday to participate in the Federation demonstration against the imprisonment of Waihi strikers, the General Labourers’ Union held a meeting to discuss the matter. It was stated that 60 men had been refused work. Members resolved by a four to one majority to cease work from 7 o’clock this morning until the victimisation is removed. There was nothing like a general response, but a fair number failed to appear at the various works. Of 400 men employed by the Harbour Board GO did nob start work to-day, and of 130 men employed by Remuera Road Board 100 failed to appear. The Drainage Board reports that about 50 labourers are on strike. The City Council workers are reduced to about the same number. Morningside quarries have closed owing to the labourers going on strike. Only I ten men failed to appear on works j in Mt. Albert borough. There is a I disposition of- local bodies to decline i to again employ the men going on i strike. It is expected some uniform ,j action will be agreed upon, j