FEDERATION OF LABOUR.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIV, Issue 48, 21 October 1912, Page 4

FEDERATION OF LABOUR.

o “GAOL FOR A PRINCIPLE.” V ; LATEST EBULLITION. (Per Press Association.) Wellington, October 20. The Federation of Labour held a demonstration in the Post Office Square, Wellington, yesterday afternoon. There was an attendance of over a thousand. The speakers were Messrs. R. Semple, Howard, W. Richards, P. C. Webb and L. Glover. Tho following motion was carried: “That this mass meeting of Wellington workers congratulates the latest batch of Waihi strikers who have gone to gaol on principle, and calls upon all unionists to rise to demand the release of unionist prisoners.” A similar demonstration was held this afternoon, but was not so well attended. THE “REDS” LOSING FAVOUR. Auckland, October 21. A special meeting of the Labourers’ Union last evening was attended by about 150. Mr Canham, of the Federation executive, was present, and explained the action of the Federation in not supporting the strike. The meeting generally was of the opinion that to prolong the strike was useless, but no official steps were taken in regard to the matter, with the excepion of one or two extremists among the men who, it is stated, will end the strike by returning to work or applying for work. It is stated that the local bodies concerned will not take back any 7 of the strikers. Many men will find it difficult to secure employment. A special meeting of the Waterside Workers’ Union followed, and was attended by about 500 men, who discussed the position till nearly three - o’clock. The extremist section urged the immediate cessation of work, and I were supported by' a delegation of the General Labourers’ Union. The vote resulted in a largo majority living unfavourable to the strike, the proportion being two to one. Mr Canham addressed the meeting at length, and endeavoured to give explanations which were received unfavourably by the majority of tho men, who expressed themselves greatly 7 dissatisfied with the apparent neglect of the Federation in leaving the Huntly miners to fight for themselves, also with its desertion of the Auckland labourers.