AN ECHO OF THE STRIKE OF 1890.

Press, Volume XLIX, Issue 14829, 21 November 1913, Page 11

AN ECHO OF THE STRIKE OF 1890.

TO THE EDITOR OP "THE KRESS." Sir, —Having an intimate knowlodgo of what took place in Lyttelton during the maritime strike in 1890, perhaps you will find time to peruse this letter. Being Mayor of Lyttelton in 1890 and 1891, 1 was in a v pqsition to know what occurred prior to the specials- being sworn in. . The strikers must admit that plenty of leniency was allowed before this step was taken.

The assurances of tho Strike Committee and its secretary that they would do their best to preserve order did delay the swearing in. At a meeting held in the Lyttelton office of the Harbour Board, Mr White, the chairman, Inspector Pender, and myself, conferred on the situation. Some strikers were behaving ugly, still the Striko Committee assured us they could control them. Whilst we were discussing matters the Inspector was called out of tho room, "and upon returning in a few minutes, informed us that these assurances certainly would not satisfy him, and, in fact, certain arrests had been tnado and sufficient evidence obtained to show how little reliance could bo placed upon their assurances. It was borne out by facts then and now, that striko committees cannot control tho situation, and experience proves that to prevent accidents, wisdom . demands precautionary methods. As a Lyttelton resident for many years, I have a sincere desire that the watersiders, many of whom, and their fathers before them, I know, should keep their hands unsullied by violence. "Britishers have a strong innate sense of justice, and I am sure that where a real grievance is ehown nothing can delay the removal of it. Fair argument, backed- by a strong public support, appeals and adjustSj but violence retards reforms. — Yours, etc., J. B. MILSOM. Waimate, November 20.