Labour Questions

Waikato Argus, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5158, 15 November 1912, Page 2

Labour Questions

Allairs at DEATH OF EVANS. By Telegraph. —Press Association. Waihi, Last Night. Profound regret was caused by tha announcement that Frederick George Evans, who sustained serious injuries on Tuesday morning's riot, died last night. At first hopes were held out for his recovery, but he gradually sank, never regaining consciousness, and died about 11 p.m. The Union Jack was flown half mast over the Miners’ Union Hall this morning. Evans is said to be an enginedriver by trade, and came from Australia. His age was about 30, and he leaves a wife and young family. Mr W. M. Wallnutt, the district coroner, is holding an inquest on the body. The town is still very quiet. The men employed in the mines went to work this morning without a semblance of molestation. There has been a great clearing out of federationists. Twelve more left by train this morning, with a mutifarious collection of portable household fixings, even their dogs. The women looked hunted and thoroughly dejected; the men sullen and hopeless.

Each departing train was watched by arbitration pickets, wearing red, white and blue rosettes. As each vehicle emptied its miscellaneous cargo on the platform, a member of the pickets ticked off the names of the fedcrationists in his note-book. The list of people warned to quit Waihi is nearly exhausted. Men went yesterday in batches of 35 and nine by train, besides others by

coach. One prominent member of the strikers’ committee, who was badly wanted by the arhitrationista after Tuesday's fight, has been traced over the hills in the direction of Whangamata, where he and sorns companions got away and spent the night in an empty house on the track. The town is now pretty well cleared of extreme federation supporters, and it is not expected i at there will be any fresh developments. Th.e weather was fine up to noon, but has now broken, and rain has set in. There are very few people in the streets.

On the latest inquiry at the hospital, Constable Wade was reported to be progressing favourably. This morning he was able to sit up and read a newspaper. Frederick Evans, the striker, who has met his death as the result of injuries, it may be remembered, was one of the small band of strikers who tried to hold the Miners’ Union Hall against the onrush of the angry workers, when a revolver shot had been fired (it is alleged) by one of the strikers, who afterwards retired within the hall. Evans, later, was cornered by Constable Gerald Wade, and it is alleged that he discharged his revolver directly at the constable, wounding him in the stomach. Before he fell the constable clubbed Evans, who was afterwards very severely manhandled by the infuriated crowd before being rescued by the police. Evans died without regaining consciousness, and for a while the constable whom he shot was in a critical condition. During the strike Evans acted constantly as storekeeper in the union store, and he was known among his fellows, and even to the police authorities, as a quiet, unassuming young man He it was who consulted the Inspector of Police as to just what procedure would be considered reasonable as “peaceful picketing,” and his manner made a favourable impression upon the officer. Evans also acted at times as correspondent to the official paper of the federation, and it was said that he had previously had some experience in Press work in Australia.

Interviewed this morning at the hospital, Constable Wade, who although mending, is still nery weak, but in good spirits, said when the crowd got opposite the office door of the Miners’ Union Hall, workers and some strikers were having some hot words. A rush was made towaid the door. He heard a shot fired, and immediately ran into the passage way, at the same time telling the foremost of the workers to stand back. Constable Wade rushed towards through the folding doors, from which, he states, he saw Evans fire, being under the impression that the shot was fifed diuct at him. Constable Wade chased Evans out of the back of the hull on to a vacant allotment, and was gaining fast on the fugitive when the latter swung round and, the constable asserts, fired point blank, the bullet striking him in the abdomen. Constable Wade continued the chase, and, drawing his baton, before Evans could start off again, struck him on the head, Evans falling flat on his face. Then the crowd took charge. Wellington, Last Night. Mr Parry telegraphed the headquarters of the Federation of Labour today for funds “to make provisions for women and children driven from home. Free laboureis breaking into homes and threatening their lives, men forced into bush.” He adds that he is releasing all the men from Mount Eden today, as there is no other way out of the difficulty at present. The federation executive has sent a telegram to members of the Miners’ Union," Waihi, urging them to seek employment there. They state that strike pay will be maintained. “Police terrorism will he made known for the dastardly outrage on the liberty of the people, and the tacts will be rammed home. Your fight will live. Truth will triumph.” The executive has also sent all federated unions in Australia a telegram stating that terrorism reigns in Waihi. Strikers are compelled to hide in the bush for fear of their lives, that “scabs” are breaking into their homes, that American methods have been adopted by the police and employers. Only thirty members of the union at Waihi “scabbed. ”

Waihi, This Day. The inquest on Frederick George Evans, after evidence of identification had been taken, was adjourned till Tuesday. The town was quiet and orderly tonight. The sixty Waihi men released from gaol are not likely to receive a cordial welcome in Waihi at the hands of the arbitrationiats. In any case it is improbable that any of their numbers would find employment in the local mines. Two supposed federationist pickets from up the line arrived in town by the evening train. They were promptly chased out of town by arbitrationists.

A rumour having got into circulation that the workers intended to take a day off to sea that the warning to the federationista to leave the town in 48 hours had been given effect to.arbitrationist patrols visited several houses of fedcrationists, assuring the occupants that such was not the case, and that life and property were safe. They said those causing the fedcrationists annoyance were acting on their own responsibility, and that the Mines and Batteries’ Union committee had instructed all to keep order, and refrain from violence, and assist the police in every way. Their action had a greatly reassuring elfect on a large number of fedcrationists (principally women). The Waihi Police Station is now in telephone connection with the town of Waikino, and by this means the police can be kept in touch with anything that happens.

Six federation strangers to the town, who arrived in Waihi yesterday, left again by the evening train. During the afternoon they were surrounded in Rosemount road by a curious crowd, and as no work seemed available they evidently thought it advisable to get away.

The, grocery store conducted by the Federation Union was taken charge of this morning by the new union and the police. This action was considered necessary in consequence of the closing of the store and for the preservation of the perishable goods.