THE LABOUR SITUATION.

Waipa Post, Volume VI, Issue 264, 14 November 1913, Page 3

THE LABOUR SITUATION.

AUCKLAND NOTES. No alteration has been made in regard to the methods of the 1,500 mounted specials and the 800 foot specials who are encamped in Auckland. The mounted men send down from the camp in the domain each twelve hours a regiment of 500 men to guard the approaches to the waterfront, and act as escorts for the carters who are carrying on the work of the port. The men are performing their work effectively and cheerfully, many of them stating that they are pre pared to remain during the currency of the strike. The 500 foot specials quartered at the Drill Hall provide ranging parties to tour the suburbs, in motor cars and otherwise, as occasion requires,, while the 300 stationed on Queen's wharf are attending.to the safety and order •of the waterfront. "The outlook for peace is much brighter," states the mayor of Auckland. "There can be no doubt that nearly all the unions are anxious to get back to work. I think things are settling themselves. The attempt to paralyse the whole of our industrial life and spoil the Auckland Exhibition has quite failed. It has been an expensive experience for the whole community, and it has taught us that the general strike as a remedy for industrial trouble is like a boomerang. It returns, and is liable to injure the thrower most."

WELLINGTON NOTES. The strike leaders in prison arc being kept apart from other prisoners.- They will be permitted to see visitors and transact certain business. As the Supreme Court has just held its quarterly session, if committed without bail they will have-to remain in gaol until February next.

Strict precautions are beingtaken for their security. The guard has been doubled. The men carry rifles loaded with ball cartridge- and buckshot, and arc under orders to use them, should it be deemed necessary. A mass meeting of watersiders and seamen on strike was held this afternoon in the Opera House. Press representatives were excluded. Mr L. Glover (chairman of the strike committee) presided, and subsequently stated that the meeting unanimously adopted a resolution: " That none of the men on strike would return to work until employers agreed to the terms asked for;, also, that all present pledged themselves not to accept the work' left by men on strike." Messrs and Webb, M.P.'s, wrote, coffering to place their services a;i the disposal of the Strike Committee for propaganda work. Rey. R. H. Hobday informed the (meeting that the .arrested leadps did not desire the strikers to make any demonstration near the/gaol, but to keep away fromit.'' If they wanted to show their loyalty to the cause, they should s/tand firm by the working class.