Success of the New Union

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVII, Issue 57, 7 November 1913, Page 5

Success of the New Union

Strikers Apply for Membership. Activity of Auckland Strikers. Exhibition Workers “Down Tools.” Employers Moving for New Onion. [Per Pr=s» (Association.]

AT WELLINGTON. formation of the new union. THE INITIAL STEPS. , i [Per Press Association.] Wellington, November 6. A meeting of the special constables in ’the Garrison Hall last night was addressed by Mr G. Sykes, M. • Afterwards it was decided that ajiew union should he formed and register ed under the Arbitration Act. Many of the men from the country are quite willing to work on the wharves, and there are a number of others not sworn in as special who will become initial members of the new registration. The working of the cargo is to be strictly confined to members of the organisation, so that legally no “free labor” will be employed. None of the men who are strictly ‘‘special constables” will be engaged in handling the cargo. A new Wellington Waterside Workers’ Union has been formed k and was registered at noon under the Arbitration Act. The workers employed on the wharf in loading the Athenic will thus be not free laborers but legally union laborers, and Arbitration Unionists.

as the berthing of the Athenic was awaited, was unique in the history of any waterfront in the Dominion. A swarm of special constables, bronzed and sturdy-looking most of them, bad taken possession,. and another thirty members of the new Arbitration Union had also arrived. At 1.15 p.m. the Athenic moved olt from the stream and by 1.40 p-m. was moored alongside. With a cheer, willing hands worked the crane into position, and a gangway was placed aboard. A deluge of rain which had been heralded by a dark bank of clouds, commenced to descend, but it was not long before blue skies once more gained the mastery. Up the gangway swept a crowd of specials, until the deck of the vessel was completely over-run with them. In groups they were sprinkled over the whaif and its environs. At 3.30 p.m. all was quiet, both outside the mounted police cordon and inside on the wharves. Specials guarded the entrances as far as the Customs Buildings.

As far as can be ascertained, there has been no trouble with the firemen and crew, who are all aboard the vessel.

The work of loading produce on the Athenic proceeded without interfeience.

CITIZENS’ DEFENCE COMMITTEE. With a view of finding a way out of the troublous situation arising from the strike and to maintain public safety in'the meantime, a Wellington Citizens’ 1 Defence Committee was formed ito-day. The first body .was composed- of shipowners. Next a committee composed in the main i of mem- > hers of-the .‘Wellington Employers anjd r the Industrial Associations, Chambers of Commerce, Farmers’ Union, and the Merchants and kindred associations was set up. The Federation was duly formed, and sat daily and took the initiative in matters connected with the employing interests. Now the professional element has been introduced, and the committee was ..today materially strengthened by the addition of a large number of local professional men, whose interests are in po way directly affected by or with the present dispute, but who are deeply concerned at the serious disturbances and street fighting that are now of almost daily occurrence, and also at the critical pass to which the trade of the port and the city has been brought by the action of the strikers and their friends and sympathisers.

“THEIR SPLENDID DISCIPLINE.”

On all sides, both among the squadiron, commanders of the specials and from the general public hears tributes to the splendid discipline displayed by the men yesterday'. ’I liey had been instructed to stand as much as possible, qnd more than one person in authority has expressed the opinion that they stood too much. The men were told not to use their batons except under extreme provocation, or under orders from their troop leaders. Some of them, when the stoning was verysevere, asked permission to go back and deal with the rioters, but the men in ‘command kept the ranks close until a concerted movement was made. Individual specials who were asked jheir opinion of yesterday’s affray remarked laconically that it was “pretty Jiot.” When one sees the cuts and bruises inflicted by some of the missiles one can only remark that the men. displayed self-control that could hardly have been bettered by regular troops.

THE BREAKING OF THE STRIKE. hOW THE ATHENIC WAS LOADED Wellington, November 6. Steady preparations for the com moncement of free labor went on all the morning. The Harbor Board s staff kept the wharves clear of everyone who had no business there, and the closest scrutiny was carried out. At 11.30 a.m. the special constables, 000 on horse and 100 on foot, left the barracks in Buckle Street and marched via Taranaki Street and Jervois Quay to the. wharves. There was no molestation, and except for a little booing at the Panama Hotel and in Post Office Square, the mounted men reached the vicinity of the railway wharf safely. Here they were told off in squads, and elaborate precautions were taken to guard every possible entrance to the wharf. The city men, sworn in as specials, also went on guard round the railway yards, and if any person without a legitimate passport had attempted an entrance to the wharf he would have been turned back at every point.

"THE SPECIALS ARE COMING!”

, All the forenoon the Post' Office Square had been peaceful, and then just after midday a stir of excitement was arousedby the announcement that "the specials are coining.” Immediately there was a rush for the roadway. Far along .Jervois Quay could be seen the advance guard of a cavalcade of horses keeping close in to the harbor side of the quay. In a. moment a large crowd of strikers and others had assembled in the square. An imposing display they made, as file after file went past, most of the men keeping a weather-eye open for any trouble that might be brewing. In the vicinity of the Queen’s Chambers, one of the throng civated a disturbance but was quickly hustled away by half-a-dozen policeman and was lost in the crowd. There was a little boohooing by some spectators, but there was no enthusiasm behind it. Down Jervois Quay to Waterloo Quay the squadron marched, between five and six ‘ hundred strong. The crowd followed in the rear, but there was a noticeable absence of disorder. The larger portion of the onlookers appeared to be business people who had taken advantage of the lunch hoiir to watch the proceedings. The mounted men manoeuvred into position along the quay to afford close protection for the Glasgow Wharf. Across from the Customs Building to the other side of the roadway was a line of foot policemen. Behind them was stationed a number of regular ipounted men, and at the rear of them was a strong force of mounted specials extending right along to-Pipi-tea Point.

At f p.m. the Athenic was seen to be approaching the wharf, and she was the object of much interest. Here was the beginning of tfie fight in the streets. Everyone was saying: "There’s going to be some fun now.” The more foreseeing wondered how this start of free labor would he looked upon by ■'Other unions. Would the tramwiiymen come out? the seamen, the drivers ? The silence and absence of the strikers where the specials were gathered on guard were taken by many to be ominous. There was a big move, they declared, up Labor’s collective sleeve. ’ "Down tools!” would be the order, and they waited. Many did not realise the big fight that was being lost or won. Neither did many understand the significance of the day’s doings, and bow they must affect every living soul of the community. It was an exciting ten ■minutes when the big liner Athenic drew slowly into the Glasgow wharf. Here was a battlefield without blood being spilt, without all the horrors of broken bodies. Yet it was a battle

Meanwhile another detachment of specials, marching on foot, had arrived via Jervois Quay, accompanied by the members of the new-formed Waterside Workers’ Union, registered under the Arbitration Act. Like - the other men they all carried batons and wore the badge “special constable.” Their duty was to load the cargo which had been drawn in railway trucks along the Glasgow Wharf. A UNtOUE WHARF SCENE. Tlie,scene on Xo. 3 Glasgow Wharf

—a trial of strength which New Zealand has never seen before. On the one side the shipping companies and , tlie owners of the industries were i drawing up their forces ■ on the othei ■ the idleness of the wharves and sheds, , full of produce waiting for shipment. Hero were the opposing forces—one | real, one abstract. But they were both arrayed in all their strength. A couple of hundred special constables, some of whom were to act as free laborers, idled about the wharf, batons swinging from their wrists. | “All union men this way,” shouted one of their number. This was the first definite informa-, tiou of the formation of a now body, i It was learned that the specials bad registered a union under the Arbitration Act. Surely this was business. It was the breaking of the strike—its far as it could bo attempted—and loud cheers rang out' at the first piece oi work by free labor. The Athenic bad been safely moored by the Harbor Board’s staff, and the specials .had to go aboard, hour of them began to move one of the hydraulic cranes along the rails, so that the gangway could be got across. As they bent to the work one bad to realise that the forces were fighting.

Work had Begun. The specials clambered aboard, and were received with good-natured chaffing- . . Various important officials, civic and otherwise, promenaded the wharf and realised that the light had begun. Rain came and stopped the preparations for a while, but the respite gam the free laborers and specials a chance for lunch. Cheese, raw onions, and bread and butter were handed round. The roughness of it no one seemed to mind. There was only one thought—-“we’ll-got our butter and cheese away anyhow.”

At 2.30 p.m. the first work of loading was in sight.

Captain Crossland, of the Athenic, called the whole crew together on the afterdeck, and explained the position to them. Would they he willing to work with free labor? “Aye, aye 1 , sir I !”—and the thing was settled. The hatchways were taken off, revealing empty holds and bare and dark spaces. Rigging the falls and tackle took half-an-lionr. "and at 3.10 p.m. the winchmen were at their posts. Twelve trucks laden with cheese from factories in the Wellington province were the first to be unloaded. Ten specials, coats and hats off, and sleeves rolled up, began to load the first slip. They were under the direction of the permanent employees of the Shaw, Savill Company, and the work went smoothly from the start. The first sling contained eight crates of cheese, manufactured by the Grey town factory. As it was lifted from the wharf the leader of the free laborers called for three cheers, and these were lustily given, the crew of the liner joining in heartily.

It was a Critical Mcmcnt. Down in the hold were half-a-dozen farmers’ sons, also under the direction of the permanent hands, and the first crates were safely stowed away. From this on there was steady work done, and within an hour the first truck had been emptied of its freight. $ DEBATE IN THE HOUSE. Wellington, November 6. In the House of Representatives today on a motion to bring in the Employment of Waterside Workers’ and Casual Labor Regulation Bill, Mr W. A. Veitch, the mover, said that he had not introduced the measure with a view to opening up a discussion on the present trouble. He made his move purely in the interests of alleviating the conditions of the men who worked the whole of opr imports and exports, which were at the roots of the finance of the country, and which, when badly handled, deleteriously affected our finances.

The Hon. W. H. He rries moved that the debate be adjourned till that day week. Mr Veitch had made a most temperate speech, but the Government considered that the present time was not one for a continuance of the debate. -Hr Robertson objected to burking discussion on such an important and all-absorbing topic. ‘ He thought the House would be guilty of political cowardice if it refrained from discussing the matter. Mr J. Payne spoke on'similar lines. Mr G. Laurenson objected to the Government gagging members. If the Government would make a straighton t statement in regard to the possibilities he would vote for the adjournment. Mr T. M. Wilford said that the I lime Minister should bring down proposals for a settlement at once, and allow the House to have a free and open discussion. The Hon. W. F. Massey said that he bad been asked by .the leader of the Opposition to state the Government’s position. He had 210 objection to doing so. The matter had been placed in the hands of the Conciliation Commissioner, who had the confidence of both sides. He was not able to say at the present moment whether he could bring about a settlement. At 3.30 bo had received a wire from the Commissioner to the effect that ho was in communication with one of the pasties. If both agreed to his pronosais, legislation would be possible. Ho could not say any more at the moment. It would be generally understood that the Government could not tell the House everything they wore proposing at the present juncture. The dispute had now assumed a very different aspect. It was not now a difference' between the watersiders and employers, but the producers had been

a flouted. Ho had that morning received information that two thousand mountd men were ready to come here, and either assist or relieve the men now here. Hundreds of tons ot produce were being affected at the railway stations by exposure to the sun and wind, and the owners'of that produce, whose work of years would be nullified, would have to be considered and consulted before legislation was passed. He did not believe, however, that legislation would produce a settlement, and there must be unanimity between the parties before anything in that nature was attempted. The Government was doing its utmost to grapple with a very serious situation. Hr T. AI. Wilford: So is this side. The Hon. W. E. Massey: Nothing has been pub in our way by members of the opposite side. Continuing, he sa id that serious- difficulties had arisen which had never been experienced m the country before. Sir Joseph Ward said that he hoped that the Commissioner of Conciliation would effect a settlement. They all hoped his efforts would bear fruit, that legislation would he introduced to give effect to it. The position was a grave one, which called for calm consideration and judgment on the part of the men endeavoring to settle it.

“CRASS MISREPRESENTATION.”

Sir Joseph Ward, speaking in the House on Wednesday, on the question of a settlement of the dispute, said this matter should be taken out of the hands of party, though he had already been subjected to crass misrepresentation on this point. He had not attempted to make the least use of the difficulties existing, with a view of party gain, and, later on. after the trouble was over, lie would be able to show that conclusively. To give an indication, he had there a telegram sent to him from Stratford, saying: “Reported here you are one of the largest shareholders in Union Company,” That sort of thing was circulated, as well as other statements that were absolutely untrue. He was not a shareholder in the Union Company, never had been; and no one connected with him had been.a shareholder. While at a time he had sat by quietly-and done everything in hh power to have law and order preserved. and respected, and suggested that there should he no interference with law, he had always been agains* strikes, and he believed a strike was a most undesirable way of settling '.roubles. He hoped they would have a peaceful settlement, and the prevention of loss of life. Yet in the fact of this, one was subjected to the vilest deputations and contemptible misrepresentations bV people outside, appar critly with the object of gaining a tarty-! Advantage! ■ The motive underlying these tactics were plain to him. He-—and so would decent-minded pooole—deplored such miserable actions He would sooner go out of public lift than lend himself for the purpose oi provoking this terrible position which existed at present in this country, am which was fraught with so much dan ger to the public peace and security. , Mr J. B. Hiue ("Stratford) asked thr right’ lion. gentleman if lie could give the names. Sir Joseph Ward: “No, I certainly cannot.” | Mr Hine asked if he could give the names of the men who were reported to have made these statements abou‘ Sir Joseph Ward. Sir Joseph Ward: “1 will deal with; the matter at the proper time. Tin icport mentioned may have been circulated here, and sent to Stratford 1 am not treating it as a personal matter.”

SETTLEMENT REFUSED BY TH? FEDERATION OF LABOR,

Wellington, November 6

Mr P. Halley, Conciliation Commissioner, to-day placed before the Federation of Labor two proposals to clear the way for a settlement of the strike. After consideration the Federation wyis unable to see its way to agree to one of the suggestions and so declined to accept them. LOADING THE DAIRY PRODUCE. Wellington, November 6. There were one hundred trucks of cheese, ah from factories in the Wellington provinoe, awaiting shipment in the Athenic. The fear of deterioration compelled those in charge to load tiieso goods first. The officials of the dairy division of the Agricultural Department were on the wharf when the trucks were opened, and a close inspection was made.

Seen subsequently by a' reporter, Mr I). Cuddle, Chief Dairy Commissioner, said that on the whole the cheese was in good condition, althong!; u had suffered from hewing so long in the trucks.

Mr J. G. Darkness, secretary of the National Dairy Association, told a reporter that lie was verv well satisfied with the work which the new unionists had done during the afternoon. With such a start as this said Mr Darkness, there would be no fear of the market prospects. It is related that in an hour- and-

a-half GDI) crates of cheese were loaded with one winch. This is about twice as fast as the ordinary wharf laborers have been in the habit of working, and the cargo was all well r.towed.

The membership of the now union is growing at a satisfactory rate. The union was registered this morning with 17 members, and the list had increased to 60 by five o’clock. About 10 members wore working to-day.

MAILS FOR THE SOUTH. NO TRAMWAY STRIKE. Wellington, November 6. The Post Office to-day chartered the . steamer Queen of the South, and she left at S.-10 pm. for Lyttelton with tho mails. One of the Tramway Union officials j stated to-day that there was no like- j lihood of the men striking. AN APPEAL TO THE “SPECIALS.” FROM THE WATERSIDERS’ WIVES Wellington, November 5. An appeal to special constables to go hack to their homes in the country was issued on , Tuesday from the waterside -workers’ wives, ft is dressed to “Snceial Constables —Tavnu'rs’ Sons with whom we have no Quarrel,” and reads*as follows: — “You have been deluded by the shipping combines into coining to W ellington to baton and bludgeon ns into subjection under the heels of that great trust which has raised the freight on your butter, cheese and wool. Why rob our children of their bread? “If those shipping companies boat us you also will be beaten by them next. Why not stand on your dignity as men? Go peacefully to your homes. Let our men go hack to work. All they ask for is their old agreement hack again. You will never forget your action if murder is committed, if any of our husbands are killed and our children maimed. Will you meet a deputation of workers' wives to state our case? When you hear it you will not stop a single hour in Wellington. “Every Union in Wellington and New Zealand is with us. The public who cheered you in are now hooting you round the streets. You will he branded for life. Why not come out? We will see you safely to the station. Come out, men! Come out!”

for use as a camping-ground gave rise io a feeling of unrest among a section of the workmen employed in the Exhibition Buildings. The men field a meeting during the luncheon hour, and resolutions were passed, but an undertaking being given that neither special constables nor members of the Permanent Artillery should come inside the grounds, work was resumed forthwith.

EXHIBITION WORKERS “OUT.” SPECIALS OBJECTED TO. Auckland, November 7. The Exhibition workmen all “downed tools” this morning, alleging that the special constables were not observing the undertaking to keep away from the vicinity. They were grazing horses there. i READING THE RIOT ACT. INSTRUCTIONS TO JUSTICES. Auckland, November 7. I . ’ i One hundred Justices of the Peace assembled at the -Magistrate’s Court jthis morning. The meeting was presided over by Mr Kettle, S.M., senior [Magistrate, and' Mr Cullen, S.M. Mr j Kettle explained that it might be i necessary for Justices of the Peace at any time now to do their duty by

reading the Riot Act. He explained that on a Justice of the Peace being informed that 12 or more persons were unlawfully, riotously, and tumultuou«lv assembled he should proceed to such place or as near as he might safely go and proclaim in a loud voice that all persons so assembled must immediately disperse on pain of conviction, an offence carrying a penalty of imprisonment for life. It Avas not a question of taking up a position of hostility to strikers, but Avas solely to protect the property and the lives of citizens. They should be satisfied that the circumstances Avarranted the reading of the proclamation and should exercise a Arise discretion and use good common sense. If the police applied for the reading of the proclamation that Avould be a very strong reason for compliance. Mr Kettle also dreAv attention to the sections of the Justice of the Peace Act and the Licensing Act authorising the closing of hotels in the locality of riot or tumult or Avhere such disturbance Avas likely to happen.

RIOTERS AT THE COURT.

Wellington, November 7

In the Magistrate’s Court this morning, before Mr Riddell, S.M., Edward Barlow, who was previously convicted of theft, was sentenced to a month’s gaol for throwing stones at the specials.

Thomas Rodgers, for obscene language, and Patrick Daly, for a similar charge, were sentenced to 14 days’. Several others were remanded on bail of £BO, which was increased to £IOO in file case of the man alleged to have been prominent in the riot in front of Whitcombe and Tombs. ARBITRATIONISTS’ GOOD WORK. STRIKERS APPLYING FOR MEMBERSHIP. NO SERIOUS DEMONSTRATIONS. Wellington, November 7. The Athenic returned to Glasgow \Vharf at 10 o’clock this morning, and the arbitration unionists, who slept y.\ the vessel last night, resumed loading operations. Good work was done. Amongst the applications for membership to the new union are stated to he several from the members of the old union. The march of mounted and foot specials to guard the wharves was not accompanied by any serious demonstrations.

AUCKLAND EMPLOYERS’ MAN I-

FESTO.

MOVEMEXT TO FORM UXIOX VXD EH ARBITRATION ACT.

Auckland, Xovember 7.

Twenty men arrived from -Redding district to-day to join the new union.

The Willochra, Moana and Maungamii are all alongside wharves, but no attempt to work’them was made this

morning. A large number of local special constables on foot are also assisting to guard the wharves.

AT AUCKLAND. SPECIALS STONED BY WORKMEN. GETTING READY FOR READING THE RIOT ACT. TRAMS TO STOP RUNNING. Auckland, November 0. There was again practically no activity amongst the strikers along the waterfront to-day. Over one thousand mounted farm-

ers had reached camp at Otaruiuu by daybreak, and a few minutes after five o’clock an advance party of 400 rode out four abreast on their way to Auckland. They took the Great South Hoad, passed through Remuera and Newmarket, and at 7 a.m. entered the outer Domain from the Parnell end. Another expression of disfavor occurred in a rather startling manner in the Exhibition grounds, so it is alleged. After the setting up of the camp in the outer Domain, one of the farmers is said to have been looking for some water for his horse in the adjacent Exhibition grounds, when a workman on the top of Die toboggan structure hurled a piece of timber several feet in length in bis direction. By smartly side-stepping the special avoided the missile. There was some excitement on the Queen’s Wharf this morning. It was ascertained, however, that eight or nine plugs of gelignite, together with some. 20 detonators, had been found hidden on the top of one of the water cisterns in the public lavatory, and the dangerous explosives were immediately handed over to the police. It is definitely announced that the trams will cease running to-morrow night on account of the coal supply running out. Tho selection of the outer Domnin

The Employers’ Association have issued a manifesto setting our that the labour crisis was not the outcome of any dispute between the Auckland employers and their men, but Avas wantonly thrust upon the community by ttie ruthless policy of the Federation of Labour. They desire to obviate the possibility of a recurrence of a similar disorganisation'. To Have the country at the behest of an irresponsible body, prevents the employers dealing with an organisation declining to recognise the statutory provision already existing for a settlement of industrial The employers are fully alive to the advantage o. being able to deal AVfth properly -constituted trades unionism. It is hoped that the formation of one upon the usual lines "ill be the solution of the difficulty. It is essential that the trade of tin? Dominion be carried on. It has been decided that workers prepared to subscribe to the abac conditions forthwith shall be employed under full and adequate protection, and to guarantee a continuance of emulovment after the present troubles are over to those who perform the duties satisfactorily.

AT LYTTELTON. UNLOADING THE RAGEHOURSES. Christchurch, Novemoer (5. Matters were quiet on the waterfront all day. After a smart trip from Wellington, the Maunganui reached port shortly if tor 8.30, and there wore then on the wharf a large number of people. The union pickets were in position, and a large number of watersiders were gathered on the pier. There was absolutely no excitement. W ithin five minutes of the time the vessel was tied up the first racehorse came over the side. It was Undecided; and the Cun candidate w>s r

by Haskayno and Hymettus, in that order. The remainder of .t2 uor*o* were discharged at freonent intervals without, any hitch, and 26 were sent to Christchurch at mid-dav. the balance following later.

Owing to the strike it has keen decided to postpone the first of the series of wool sales to he held in Ohrist- , church from the 13th mst., to the 21st inst. In the event of the strike not being over hv the last-mentioned date, it is probable that the sale will bo further postponed. SEAMEN’S UNION SECRETARY THREATENED. Christchurch. November 6. Mr W. Belcher, secretary of the Sealinen’s Union, who arrived at Bytetltou to-night on his way to Welllng]ton to attend a strike (‘Difference, was ; subjected to a very hostile treatment on arrival at the wharf. He was surrounded by a bowline* mob. demand**’'* that he should explain himself. He went aboard the Maori and had a conference with the crew, and on leaving was roundly cheered by the firemen on

the boat. lie was greeted by howls ol rage from the strikers on fit© whaif and was roughly jostled and shoved to the other side of the wharf whoro the Maunganui was lying. The mob threatened to push him over the side of the wharf. The police came to the rescue and held the crowd in check, while Mr Belcher boarded the vessel. Half-way up the gangway he turned and faced the howling mob, raised his hat, abowed and smiled, and then disappeared. The storm of abuse, insult and filthy language continued until the Maunganui sailed. It is understood that Mr Belcher strongly advised the firemen on the ! Maori to keep the ferry service going las long as no cargo was carried. The Maori will not sail until her full complement of firemen is obtained. Mr Belcher is making arrangements to get the men required, and it is expected that the Maori will sail to-mor-row night for Wellington. GETTING TIRED OF IT. Lyttelton, November 7. The town is quiet. Volunteers from ithe strikers discharged 100 tons of ;coal from the Flora for the hospitals. Payment for the work will go to the strike fund. A settlement is anxiously awaited, as the men are getting hard up. It is expected that the M aori will get away to Wellington to-night. i " TARANAKI DAIRY PRODUCE. !TO BE RAILED TO WELLINGTON. New Plymouth, November 7. j Arrangements are being made to rail some hundreds of tons of dairy j produce to Wellington for the Athenic. The first consignment leaves this afternoon, and the balance as soon as trucks are available. ENTHUSIASTIC MEETING IN CARTERTON. Carterton, November 6.

At a largely-attended meeting of dairy farmers the folloAving resolutions AA-ero passed:— “That this meeting of farmers of the Carterton district AvisluV. to endorse the action taken by the Farmers’ I nion during the present crisis, and pledges itself to do its titmost in providing labor necessary for the purpose of handling produce at Wellington for the Home markets.”

“That this meeting of farmers endorses the action of Messrs. Okey and Wilkinson, Members of Parliament, Avith regard to their asking the Government to guarantee monthly payments to dairy farmers for produce, and that Sir J. C.- Buchanan and Mr Sykes, M.P.’s, be asked to approach the Government Avith a view fo asking it to pass special legislation to meet the present difficulty.”

GISBORNE WATERSIDERS? REMAIN FIRM.—Gisborne, November 7. The local watersiders’ ordinary monthly meeting considered a wire from Mr Young asking them to take a holiday, and the meeting unanimously declined to accede to the request, but decided to continue under the present agreement, which is registered under the Arbitration Act. AUSTRALIAN OPINION. ißv Electric Telegraph- — Copyright/ [United Press Association.] (Received 9.55 a.m.) Sydney, November 7. The Sydney Morning Herald says: The industrial unheaval in New Zealand is memorable in more than one respect. New, Zealand,is characteristically a country of new tilings, and with grim fitness Fate, presenting the first exemplar of the new style of strike, reserved her for it. This is a federated strike. It is the increasingly bold and lawless expression, Unionism, gradually applied to the purpose of deliberate and industrial warfare, and is recklessly indifferent to institutions and right and national conditions. It is more essential, therefore, that society should systematically and earnestly prepare for self-protection in recognition of the presence of the new warlike class spirit of Unionism. This is work wherein guidance and prompt practical policy is naturallv expected from the Government. “NEW ZEALAND TO BE CUT OFF THE MAP. (Received 8.15 a.m. ) Sydney, November 7. The secretary of the Wharf Laborers’ Union declared that whether they wanted to or not, they were now in the strike, and will have to see it through so far as his union is concerned, New Zealand will be cut off the map. “As fas as the cargo trade to Sydney is concerned,” he said, “If other Australian ports don’t take similar action. I’m a Dutchman. We are all members of the Waterside Workers’ Federation, and Melbourne can be relied upon to show loyalty to her fellow Unionists.” AUSTRALIAN WATERSHEDS, • DEMAND FOR AN INCREASE, (Received 11.50 a.m.) Melbourne, November 7. A conference of the SteamsliipOwners’ Association and the Waterside Workers’ Federation will be held ’u the third week in December. In the meantime existing conditions will continue. Tt is stated that a demand will be presented for a minimum wage [of two shillings per hour for all wharf [workers, with three shillings an hour overtime.