General Strike Ordered.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVII, Issue 59, 10 November 1913, Page 5

General Strike Ordered.

[Per Pnjws A .bsoouxiON.]

AT WELL!WCTON, GENERAL STRIKE ORDERED. TELEGRAPH CUT. • Wellington, November 9. At, a meeting at the Opera House to-night, .Air Hickey announced than all the unions in Christchurch, Dunedin, and Wellington would be called, out to-morrow to join the Auckland general strike. The telegraph lines between Wellington and Palmerston were cut to-niA'ht and there is no communication wiith the West Coast of the North Islcmd.

SYMPATHY ACTS AMD RESOLUTIONS. Wellington, November 10. The cutting of the telegraph lines to Palmerston is supposed to lie the act of men in the vicinity who are in sympathy with the strike. All the wires to the Manawatu district are out of commission, but at what point exactly is not known. Communication is being kept up via Masterton and Manawatu Gorge.

The Typographical Association had a meeting, at which 159 were present, and passed a resolution pledging its inoral support to the strikers on the ground that they are fighting for the right control of its Union’s affairs according to the law of the country; and voting £IOO to the funds. Another resolution calls on the Government to withdraw the specials and introduce legislation to secure settlement.

TELEGRAPHIC INTERRUPTION CAUSED BY TREE. Wellington, November 10. The interruption to the Palmerston telegraph lines, which was first ascribed to sympathisers with the strikers, turns out to be due to natural causes. The Department h"s received word from Levin that a jjine tree in a swamp about a-mile and a-.Ualf north/ of Koputaroa blew over in a gaie last night, and carried the wires away. Temporary repairs have already been effected. ’FRISCO SERVICE DISORGANISED

Wellington, November 9,

The San Francisco service has been completely disorganised owing to the strike.

This holding up of the ’Frisco steamer at this time of the year is a much more serious business than many imagine, in view of the possible bolding up of the intercolonial vessels. Merchants and business men generally all over New Zealand had been depending on the ’Frisco mail connection to remain intact. The consequence was that the mails which were shipped on the Moana on Friday afternoon, when it was thought she was to got away, were unusually large. Besides containing a large amount of Christmas mail matter, there was included a very large number of orders from

New Zealand firms for goods for next winter’s use. There wore also, it may

safely lie included, large number of bank drafts in payment of Christmas stocks. The ’Frisco route is a most popular one with the commercial community, and its hold up will cost the country an incalculable sum of money. REGISTRATION OR NOTHING. Wellington, November 9. At the meeting of the Citizens’ Defence Committee on Saturday an intimation was received from the Prime Minister with regard to new suggestions made by the waterside workers for a further conference. The suggestions put forward to the Prime Minister as the basis of such a conference wore as follows; —

fl) That the men be given the right to enter into an agreement with the

cm plovers. (2) Thet said agreement to be enforeable under the Trades Union Act in the Magistrates’ Court. 'I he penalty (if any) to be at the discretion of

“ Lions Led by Geese." The Dominion in a Ferment. At War With “The Specials.” Auckland Agitated and Angry.

the magistrate as in the case of am civil action. (3) That the union be protected by an amendment to the Industrial Conjciliation and Arbitration Act to the effect that where a union is registered under the Trades Union Act it shall Jnnt be permissible for a union in the 'same industry and in the same dir tfict or locally to bo registered under the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act or the Trades Union Act. The Citizens’ Defence Committee, having considered the proposals, adopted the following resolution: —“That the proposals submitted by the Prime Minister for the consideration of the Citizens’ Defence Committee he not entertained, and that as a new union has now been formed and which has been registered under the Arbitration Act, no further negotiations can be entered upon with any other organisation.” Representatives from the New Zealand Farmers’ Union and the National Dairy Association attended the meeting of the Citizens’ Defence Commitete as a deputation, and, after expressing appreciation of the work already accomplished by the committee, gave their assurance that all support necessary would he forthcoming from the country districts.

The following resolution was carried unanimously “That this meeting desires to express its great admiration of the work at present being done hy the mothers, wives and families of the country representatives who have in such a generous manner responded to the call for assistance in the present crisis.”

Workers’ representatives have discussed the advisability of registering agreements under the 1 rades’ I nion Act, but it is gathered, in fact, it lias been definitely stated (.though not publicly) that the Employers’ Federation will not consider this particular proposition at all. It is with them the Arbitration Act or nothing. This has been confirmed by the Conciliation Commissioner (Mr I’. Halley), who states that his proposal has been rejected by the employers on the ground that there is a union of workers comprising some 1200 or 300 who arc alieady working under the Arbitration Act. Under the circumstances the employers feel disposed to stand by these unionists. It is understood that Mr Halley’s proposition was looked upon with favor by the Waterside Workers’ Union.

In outlying suburban districts residents have become rather anxious foi the safety of their homes in view of recent disturbances. In Khandallah, residents have formed themselves into a defence committee, and arranged that a dozen or so of their number should in rotation remain in the locality in the day time acting as a patrol, so that women and children need have no fear for their safety.

railwaymen in sympathy WITH THE STRIKERS. Marten, November 10. The Marton branch of the A.S.R.S. has resolved as follows:—“This meeting of railway employees express entire sympathy with the Waterside Workers’ Union in their present struggle for freedom and right. We are aware of the fact that the men are fighting passively to uphold a great principle, and, further, recognise that their defeat is our defeat; and wo are prepared to contribute out of our monthly earnings towards the upholding of clean unionism, and object to any ‘scab’ union being formed with the Arbitration Act as a cloak. Seeing that the farmers started the union under the Arbitration Act, they should be allowed to form a union oh the same lines for their own employees.”

SPEECHES BY THE STRIKE LEADERS. SHEARERS TO COME OUT. “LIONS LED BY GEESE." Wellington, November 10. At a meeting in the Opera House last night, Mr Hickey said that, following the example of Auckland, they were going to put it to Unionists in this city, Christchurch, and "Dunedin, that there should be a general strike, and if they responded, as ho believed they would, it would fihow the employer;

that they wore not going to permit wholesale smashing of organised laboui by squatters and th.ose in their pay. Mr Semple said that it had beei decided to bring the shearers out. Tin fight was only just beginning. A resolution was passed calling 01 the Government to withdraw all arm eel troopers at once.

This was moved by a farmer fron Pahiatua named Fox, who told a stor\ of alleged persecution and of threat! because of the attitude he had taken.

Mr M. J. Reardon is averse to a general strike, and deprecates tin General Labourers’ Fnion taking am notice of such a call. He describes this strike as a story of lions led b\ geese. Nine tenths of the men win discussed the situation are agreed tha to effect a settlement with such men as represent the watersiders is impossible.

MONDAY’S RIOTING. BOY WOUNDED BY REVOLVER SHOT. Wellington. November It). It has transpired that during las Monday’s rioting, a certain man firec some shots from a revolver, and thcr went into liis shop to reload the weapon. While doing so, it went off, tin Indict wounding a hoy in the arm. Thi casualty was not previously reported AT AUCKLAND. CHIPS MOVE INTO POSITION. Auckland, November ( J. Simultaneously witli the arrival 01 the police at - the wharves, the arrange ments made for the disposal of tin ferry services and shipping in port were at once put into operation. The running of the ferry-steamers wa, maintained as usual, except that tl c boats were diverted to the Hobson wharf and the King’s wharf. The details of the organisation had been si carefully planned, that while access to these wharves can he gained with out interruption, cargo-handling opera thins may lie proceeded with under adequate protection at Queen’s wharf Nos. 2 and 3 jetties, and the Northern wharf. H.M.S .Pyrannrs, which had boon berthed at 2P Queen’s wharf, shifted to the west side of No. 2 jetty, presumably to' leave room for the berthing of some of the big Home cargo steamers at present anchored in the stream. ‘*'l Soon after seven .ohdock yesterday, the first movement in the shipping was noticed, when e*ight ! vessels of tin Northern' CompaUy’Mfiwt, the Faeroe, Orewa, Tvanieri, Clansman, Chelmsford, Ngatiawa, Apanui, and Tasman, came down to the jetties from their anchorage in the harbor. The shins’ crows commenced the work of discharge without delay, and operations went on without the ujttm'uption that marked proceedings when the pickets held swav. * ' A General Strike.

The official statement,-concerning tin developments was supplied by’ tinStrike Committee;—“A general .strike has been called, and we are more tauu pleased with, the response. The carpenters, bricklayers, carters, general laborers, Harbour Bead employees, and cooks and waiters are all out, and other unions have placed themselves in our hands, and will cease work when the word is given. Amongst tne latter are the gasworks employees. We are at present granting exemption to bread carters, parcel delivery carts, and carts engaged in the collection of refuse. The position now is that the executive of each union handles its own affairs, and one central executive has been appointed, consisting of a delegate from each of the unions on strike.” All Hotels Closed. “Being satisfied that riots or tumults may take place in the City ol Auckland, we do order that every person licensed to sell spirituous liquors and keeping any house in the city shall forth witli close his house until 10 o’clock on November 11th.” This notice, signed by Messrs Cutten and Kettle, S.M.’s, was served on every hotelkeeper since closing-time on Friday night. On Saturday morning there was not a bar open in the city. The booths at tin' Kllerslie races was also closed. The position in connection tin' hotels was complicated by the fact that the Fmploye.es’ Union had served

a notice on the employers demanding one day oft in seven, and also that no free laborer or .special constable was to be served. The hotelkeepers met and decided that the matter of holidays, being now before 'Parliament, it was beyond their jurisdiction. It was decided that it was impossible to comply with the request re free labor and special constables, as it would render hotelkeepers trade to be fined and have their licenses endorsed. The union ultimatum threatened that work would be stopped at noon on Monday if the demands were not conceded. The hotelkeepers decided to apply to the Licensing Committee for permission to close their hotels under the Act, in order to protect ’ their licenses.

In the meantime the magistrates’ notice was served on licensees. Matters were precipitated on Saturday morning, when all the employees were called out. those employed at restaurants as well. Northern Steamship Company's Men. A meeting was held on Saturday of a majority of the seamen engaged on the Northern Company’s, llcun to die-

cuss the situation. It was explained that the seamen did not desire to involve themselves or their union in the prevailing trouble, and the meeting unanimously agreed that the best way out of the difficulty was for men to individually terminate their engagement with the company, by giving the necessary 2-1 hours’ notice. The meeting decided to follow that course, and the men of one ship have already handed in notice.

On Saturday afternoon all workers in the Freezing Company’s works at the Railway wharf, and at the Southdown works, came out. It is undeistood that the engine-drivers and stokers and other workers joined in with the freezing chamber hands. Onchunga Men to Resume Work. When the Onehnnga waterside workers decided to down tools, quite naif of their number did so after being unemployed for a week. Several of the men decided if something could not be done to resume work, and they met the Onehnnga Borough Council co talk the matter over. All present

were unanimously in favor of going

back to work at once, provided adequate protection could be guaranteed. As a result of the conference, the deputation decided to form a' small committee, and after ascertaining bow many others will join them, to ask the shipping companies for work. It is stated that so far some 24 men arc ready to work. The Strikers’ Explanation.

With regal’d to the report that hatins, pepper, stones, wire and other articles were found in the waterside office. the Strike Committee declared that when they left the office of the I'nion on Friday night, there was nothing of the kind in the room. A whisperj they say, had rachod the committee that the rooms were to be raided, and the books, papers and everything of a confidential nature were removed. The Strike Committee, they say, know absolutely nothing of rhe existence of anything of the kind, :';t it has been one of the strictest injunctions to members of the union that no man is to join in any street quarrel, to participate in any riot, or to use force of any kind, unless in defence of his life.

SUNDAY DEMONSTRATIONS. TWO UNRULY MOBS. EXCITING INCIDENTS. Auckland, November 10. The most serious incident since the beginning of the strike in Auckland occurred last night. A crowd of several thousands threatened to attack the mounted specials at the intersection of Customs and Little Queen Streets. (From the time darkness fell, a crowd began to collect and behave in an offensive way towards the farmers. The latter took absolutely no notice, but obviously they were alert and rdady for trouble. Customs Street west is very badly lighted. When it was completely dark, the crowd were so dense that they completely filled the street, ihe\ began to throw stones. Most of these fell short or went over the beads of the farmers, hut ax few found their marks and struck three men ami a number of horses.

The specials showed admirable selfrestraint and kept the line intact. They made no move towards the crowd. '

About a quarter to eight o’clock the Crisis was Reached. Crackers w ere thrown at the horses, and stones tell occasionally on the front rank. Houghs pushed nearer to the line of horses, and the reserves in Quay Street were brought hurriedly into Little Queen Street. Iwo more lines were drawn up across the street. Just as the uniformed men were being reinforced by Iguf a dozen others and eight or twelve foot constables, some one threw a bundle of crackers among the farmers’ horses. Some of tho latter began to plunge and create confusion. Simultaneously, a move forward was made by both Iront ranks and reserves of specials, but the police checked it. The mounted regulars promptly set to work to clear

the street. The crowd hooted, jeered, and displayed very ugly temper, but gradually they gave way and the police cleared the street right down to the intersection with Queen Street. Stones Flew Freely. One struck Sergeant Cahill on the hack, and another broke a window in the Waitemata Hotel. The crowd were sullen and resentful, and congregated in lower Queen Street. There was a large number, hut they were not permitted to re-enter Customs Street. A little afterwards, 1(11) additional specials arrived. This drew (ho croud at a. run down Queen street until opposite the Post Office, where mounted men gradually pushed rfm crowd hack up Queen Street to Customs Street. From here it slowly dispersed. ■ The Strikers’ Demonstration in the D-main. Yesterday afternoon look an unexpected turn. As soon as the procession reached the Domain, ;t section of roughs ran to the fence dividing the cricket ground from the farmers’ camp, and were followed by large numbers of people. Vigorous booting of the farmers commenced. When the mounted specials saw the crowd coming, they removed the line ot horses and tethered them at the near-

ed fence fait her away. A strong

picket comemncod to patrol up and down the fence, while a largo body of horsemen held the reserve. The crowd grew until it was deeply massed against the fence along the whole of one sde of the camp area. Then someone threw a handful of grass at a mounted man. It was the signal tor a fusilade Sods of Earth, Broken Class, S*cks, and Stones rained on the horsemen for sereral minutes. One missile struck a special on the temple, hut lie continued to patrol with blood streaming down his lace. The horses became restive under the rain ol missiles, and the patrol drew hack a few yards. At this the groanings changed to a loud cheer.

Several strike leaders were endeavoring to stop the demonstration. Two ot them, who were on horseback, tried to (dear the people away from the lenco, and eventually the police pushed tin* crowd hack. After this the fusilade ceased, hut the verbal demonstration continued till a shower of rain cleared the people away to shelter.

AT LYTTELTON. NO STORAGE FOR DAIRY PKOjjUUt. Lyttelton, November 9. It ill not be long now ere storage at Lyttelton lor dairy produce will be full up. Already some Peninsula factories are carting their cheese to Little Kivor by road and railing produce to Lyttelton as they cannot get it sot i round by se>AT DUNEDIN. STRIKE PICKETS BUSY. Dunedin, November !). A meeting of the Waterside Workcis 1 nion, which was formed under the Arbitration Act, was to have been held yesterday, but the strike pickets have many of the new unionists marked, and persistently followed them about, with the result that no meeting was held. '■

ihoie have been isolated instances of scuffles between strikers and Unionists, and some of the latter have been subjected to very insulting and provocative treatment in tiie streets.

A mass meeting of strikers was held this afternoon, there being an attendance of about eight hundred persons. Some half-dozen speakers addressed the gathering 0 n the present industrial crisis, and the following resolution was carried unanimously: “That this mass meeting of Dunedin c itizens calls upon the Government to immediately take steps to effect a settlement on the basis of the proposal submitted by the United Federation, which proposal was first submitted by the employers themselves, namely; the providing of a bond under clause 38 of the agreement.”

i In view of the fact that a new Arhi|t ration I niou will be starting during | the week, the Mayor (Mr Down ic jStewart) asked the Strike Committee jto meet him, as he was given to underjstand that they were giving an undertaking that no violence or intimidation ' would be resorted to. The Mayor jpointed out that it such an undertaking "as given, it would avoid necessity for the enrolling of special constables, and till procedure that had been gone [through in Wellington. He also stated 1 lie had been informed by those interjested that a large number of mounted men were ready to come to Dunedin I when called upon. He discussed the I whole position very fully, but the comj mittee would nop give any satisfactory i assurance, because they could not be | responsible for what outside members jof the public might do and they would jbo blamed for violence committed by the crowd. Also they could not be responsible for what individual members of the Union might do.

AS OTHERS SEE US. i BOYCOTT EXTENDED TO BRISBANE. 1 By Electric Telegraph—Copyright] [United Press Association.] (.Received S.oO a.in.)

Sydney, November 9. Iho V\ aterside Workers’ Union at Brisbane decided to fall into line and not handle New Zealand cargo, i The Warrimoo departed without I cargo. THE MAHENO'S FRUIT. (Received 11.0 a.in.) Mel I lonrne, November 10. The fruit portion of the Maheno’s cargo was re-landed by sailors and removed bv the consignees. | I AN AUSTRALIAN MANIFESTO. I Sydney, November 9. The executive of the Federation of Labor, following a meeting on Saturday night, has issued a manifesto deeply regretting the unfortunate strugle jin New Zealand and deprecating the • action of the New Zealand Gmetnl-

Wnt in unnecessarily resorting to acts of physical force, thereby inciting the anger and resentment of peaceful and law-abiding citizens, provocative of injury to the whole community. It commends the decision, of the wharf laborers not to handle “black’ 1 goods and recommends that- the Federal Government be urged to take the necessary steps to prevent New Zealand ships coming to Australia, which may involve the peaceful relations of industrial affairs in the Commonwealth. It adds: In of a continuance of the New Zealand struggle, we recommend our various affiliated unions to afford financial support to the New Zealand Federation of Labor. JOTTINGS. A private letter received by Mr W. A. Hewitt contains the following reference to Mr Fraser, of the X.Z. L. and M. A. Co’s Stratford staff, who is aetyig ns a special constable in Wellington: “Order is being slowly but surely evolved out of chaos, thanks to the efforts of such men as Fraser, of vour staff, whose creditable conduct in singly charging an ugly mob was most praiseworthy. ”