THE WAIHI SITUATION.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXVI, Issue 10479, 15 October 1912, Page 5

THE WAIHI SITUATION.

Per Press Association. Auckland, October 14. Some of the local bodies are troubled by workers “downing tools,’’ but the majority are able to carry on work. The Auckland Union has resolved to strike against the victimising of over 100 labourers ■who took part in Thursday’s demonstration, and this affects about 800. Mr Coyle, president of the Local Bodies’ ' Association, stated that tliere was any amount of labour offering to fill the places of those men who will be discharged as the result of leaving off work to-day. It is understood that on Friday and Saturday between 20 and 80 men applied for employment at the Mt. Albert Borough Council office, while at the City Council yard today a notice was posted: “Nolabour required. ’ ’ A well known contractor stated that although none of his men had left off work, he could, jf necessary, have filled the places of thirty men, as he had had. that number of applications for work in the last day or two.

The directors of Tanpiri Coal Mine Company have notified that all members of the executive of the Waikato Miners Union will be discharged. “Why have the directors selected the Executive of the Union for punishment?” Mr Alison was asked. “Because there can be no doubt,” be replied, “that if the Executive bad set themselves firmly against the strike the men would not have ceased work. Members of the Executive are naturally and properly leaders of .the Union, and the directors are entitled to look to them for moderation in both speech and action. it is well known,” Mr Aliscu continued, “that there was a very considerable difference of opinion amongst the men themsol/es, and their leaders ought to have used all ! their efforts to check inflammatory speech, and illegal action; instead of which their influence has been in the opposite direction. It was still more the duty of the Executive to exercise restraint and calmness in view of the very clear and definite warning given by the directors. If the object of the

Union was merely to make a demonstration in regard to the imprisoned strikers,” Mr Alison continued, “that could have been done with quite as much, if not more, force on Saturday, on which, being pay day, no work would have been done. The determination to cease work in the middle of the week without notice of any kind, after warning had been given, can only be construed as a direct challenge _ to the directors, and it at once raises the question as to whether the emnloyer is to be left even the right to carry on his business. The directors ” said Mr Alison, “have accepted the challenge, _ and are prepared to stand by their action. They feel, too, they wdll have the support of all right-thinking people, and that even the members of the Union, it they will think over the matter calmly, will admit that the directors were left no alternative in disneusing with the services of members of the Executive. _ The directors are not seeking to strike a blow at Unionism,” stated Mr Alison, “They recognise fully the right and desirability of the men working in a large industry being banded together officially in a Union, and taking united action for the benefit of members, but they claim that the actions of the men placed at the head of such Union shall be those of law-abiding and agreementkeeping citizens, and not those of men who evidently fail to realise their honourable duties and their serious responsibility. It must be obvious that a large industrial concern like the Taupiii Coal Mines, which supplies a very large proportion of coal consumed in and around Auckland, and upon which many other industries employing hundreds of workers depend, cannot possibly carry on its business or meet its engagements for the supply of coal if agreements entered into by the Union with the company, and affirmed by the Arbitration Court can be sot aside, and the whole of the operations of the company dislocated at the whim of the workers | without a moment’s notice.” I Auckland, October 14.

The Huutly correspondent teleplioued to-night: The mine manager last evening handed notices of dismissal to members of the Executive of the Waikato Miners’ Union. The names of the Executive are: F. H. Marshall (President), J. E. Duncan (secretary,) J. Fulton, 0. Allen, C. Watson, W. George, K. Brundy, W. Bullough and F. Knapper. The Executive, upon hearing the hews, immediately called a mass meeting of miners, and this was attended by some 300 men, Each of the dismissed officers, ;in addressing the men, urged the men to resume work and wait the Federation’s decision in the matter. The president said the position was a most serious one,|but‘it was the wish of the Executive that the men should go hack to work to-morrow morning. It was realised that this should be done accordingly. The men will go underground again to-day awaiting in the meantime advice of the Federation of Labour. It is understood prominent Federation officials will visit Huntly immediately, and take charge cf the men’s affairs.

OUTSIDE SYMPATHY. Invercargill, October 1-1. The Nightcaps miners, the onlybody in Southland, affiliated to the Federation of Labour, held a demonstration on Saturday, the procession and sneeches being the principal feature. They returned to work as usual this morning. Wellington, October 14. The Wellington Operative Bootmakers’ Association to-night passed a resolution emphatically protesting against the action of the Massey Government in gaoling the Waihi strikers. i Auckland, October 15. / A number of man engaged under a contractor putting down blocks in Fort street, were visited by strike pickets who called upon them to “down tools.” All their arguments proved unavailing, and the men stuck to [their work throughout the morning. While they were at lunch more strikers arrived, and warm arguments ensued in which the men working deemed that the strike had been authorised in the regular way. Meanwhile the police kept a gathering crowd of spectators from blocking the street. At the end of lunch time the whole of the workmen resumed amid cheers from the oiowd.

SOME BAD EFFECTS'. It is reported from Huntly that owing to cessation of work at Taapiri Coal Company’s mine fou> trains have been discontinued front want of freight brick and the tile works have closed down ' owing to the want of coal. There is an uneasy feeling among business people and residents generally, and people are leaving the town through dreading serious trouble. In the Fraser Ramsay v. De Renzy appeal case, the Court has reserved decision.

THE HATPIN INCIDENT. Waihi, October 15. At Waihi Magistrate’s Court_ this morning James Delaney, 'mining contractor, was charged with assaulting Jessie Beames. The offence is alleged to have taken place when Delaney arrived in the vicinity of his home after knocking off work at Waihi mine. Accused pleaded not guilty. Mr Cotter appeared for Delaney, and Mr Moresby for Beames. In opening the case Mr Moresby said a serious assault was committed, though not with serious results. The reports circulated were one-sided, incorrect and untrue. On the day- in qnes-' tion his client in the custom of strikers went out with her sisters and another young lady. Complainant was anxious to see Delaney and made her way in his directio.u. Delaney after shaking hands with several youths passed complainant and her companions and when he got a dozen* yards away he half turned round and made the following remark to the boys: “I had no need to come this way. I did it just to amuse the push. ” His client was naturally incensed and retaliated calling out “Scab.” Delaney deliberately kicked backwards, and a second time kicked out with more viciousness, and also made use of vile expressions. His client held a hatpin in tier band. She subsequently threw the hatpin into a hedge. J r essie Beames gave evid- 1 ence supporting counsel’s remarks, and stated that Delaney did not go into his place by the usual way.' He had a child in his arms and two children on either side. He used the insulting remark in a loud voice to her. Up to then she had made no remark. She had one hatpin in her hand while she was following Delaney, who kicked backwards striking her skirt. He kicked her again ferociously on the knee, and she felt the effect of the kick which made her leg stiff right away. Delaney wore miners’ boots with big nails.