MAY HAY CELEBRATIONS

Wanganui Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 160641, 3 May 1920, Page 10

MAY HAY CELEBRATIONS

IN ENGLAND

LONDON, May 1. The fact that May Day fell on a Saturday, necessitating the loss of only half a day’s pay, undoubtedly contributed to the widespread nature of .the stoppage of work, but at present it is impossible ,to say whether earlier forecasts of the extent thereof are fully justified. It is noteworthy that many colliers and others in Lancashire and Yorkshire protected against idleness. Meetings in most mining areas demanded the nationalisation of mines.

IN SOUTH AFRICA,

SPLIT IN LABOUR CIRCLES. CAPETOWN, May 1. May Day was generally observed for the first time throughout the Union as Labour Day. Factories and workshops were closed and there were demonstrations in all the larger towns. At Capetown the demonstration was characterised by a significant split between the moderate and extremist sections. The latter organised a procession and a mass meeting with prepared resolutions affirming the impending dissolution of the present system of society based on private ownership, and pledging the workers to carry on production during the period of collapse entailed through the transformation from a dictatorship to a co-operative commonwealth. Most of the Labour members announced that they would speak from various platforms, but on learning the terms of the resolution withdrew from participation in the demonstration, and none appeared on the platforms. Owing to a downpour of rain, the resolutions were merely put, no speeches being made.

IN AMERICA. Assn. WASHINGTON, May 2. May Day was celebrated quietly in Chicago. The police arrested 300 Radicals as a precautionary measure. Following the State Department’s announcement that prominent officials’ lives were threatened, the Department of Justice claims that preventative measures, which were effective, disclosed that large amounts from Russia and Amsterdam have been received by Communist and anarchist parties in the United States.

IN OTHER COUNTRIES. Asn. * LONDON, May 1. Strikers in the Place de la Concorde attempted to interfere with motor buses. Disorder ensued. Some shots were fired, but. no casualties are reported. Twenty were arrested. Assn. BERLIN, May 1. Despite the National Assembly's opposition, May Day celebrations were held. Factories, offices, and shops were closed, and traffic with the exception of the railways, was suspended. Numerous Socialist meetings were held.

Assn. ROME, May 1. May Day in Italy was celebrated by a twenty-four hour railway strike. There was abstention of work in most towns, shops being shut and factories closed. No newspapers are being published. It is not known yet whether the railway strike will be general. Assn. COPENHAGEN, May 1. A Moscow wireless states that Russia is celebrating May Day. Ybluntary work in factories began earlier than usual.