IN CHRISTCHURCH.

Press, Volume XLIX, Issue 14834, 27 November 1913, Page 8

IN CHRISTCHURCH.

"SPECIALS" MARCH THROUGH THE CITY.

AN IMPOSING SIGHT,

About noon yesterday fho people of Christchurch had an opportunity of seeing for themselves the class of men who hare undertaken the duties of mounted special constables. There marched through the city between two hundred and two hundred and fifty mounted "specials." The men had come in from camp, and went along Moorhouse avenue thence to High street, through Cathedra! square, and then back to camp. The cavalcaße moved at a walk, and the men had their batons in their bands. The streets were not unusually crowded, but large numbers of people at different points gathered to see the men pass. It was evident that thero were no strikers about, or that if they were they did not carry out the advice given them in front of the Socialist Hall on Tuesday to turn their faces to the wall and fold their arms as the mounted "specials" marched through. Instead all appeared eager to see the country men, and there was much admiration, of the splendid horses and likely-looking riders. What comment was made was chiefly complimentary. Wherever "specials" stood people went tip and had a friendly word with them. At the lunch, hour a fairly large crowd gathered at the Olock Tower, where a detachment of mounted "specials" was on duty. At first it was thought that some trouble was impending, but it coon oecame apparent that the crowd was animated only by curiosity. p. and d; dunoan resume. The foundries and implement works of Messrs P. and D. Duncan, which closed down laaS Saturday, open again this morning. union meetings: A meeting of the Canteroury Bakers, Pastrycooks, and Confectioners' union was held last night. It was decided to make a voluntary gift of- 250 large loaves of bread per week to the Strike Relief Committee for distribution amongst those out of work on account of the strike. It was reported that as the result of the closing down of biscuit and confectionery works about 400 members of the union were out of work. A motion protesting against the arrest of the strike leaders in wellington was agreed to. At a meeting of the Christchurch Operative Bootmakers , Union last night the following motion was agreed to: — "That this meeting protests against tho unnecessary parading of special constables in the streets of Christchurch, .those present as citizens considering that such a parade was unwarrantable." The Saddlers, Harness, and Collar Makers' Union met last night, when the following motions were agreed to unanimously:—"That tnis union, as a union registered under the Arbitration Act, protests against bogus unions being formed tinder that Act by the Employers' Federation, and is in;entire sympathy with the United Federation of Labour in its efforts to resist too employers' endeavour to deprive the waterside workers of the liberties they are, legally entitled to." "Thai this union protests against the action of tho Massey Government in bringing, at enormous public expense, armed forces into this city, the action- beinff, calculated to provoke disorder and likely to extend the strike, still further." STRIKE CX/MMITTEE REORGANISED. Prior to the drivers coming out, the Strike Committee formed in Christchurch was established for the purpose of assisting the strikers at Lyttelton, 'but since the drivers came out it has become necessary to have, some central body to control strike matters. Recommendations were made to the watersiders and the drivers to the effect that they should appoint delegates to a central body in whose hands strike matters should be placed. These recommendations were agreed to, and the Strike Committee is now composed of delegates from these-unions, and the representatives of the United Federation of Labour. The reorganised Strike Committee, amongst other matters, deals with exemptions, and decided several applications yesterday.