THE WAIHI STRIKE.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1486, 8 July 1912, Page 9

THE WAIHI STRIKE.

A MASS MEETING. (By Teleirrapn.—Press AsßoclaUon.l Waihi, July 6. At a mass meeting of strikers hclil yesterday, a letter from tho Mayor regarding settlement of tho strike was read, tho .text of whichiwas:—"lt is submitted,,.in the best, interests of tho community,..that ithe.'.following two.: propositions; ,should,:be; 'put to a ballot of the electors of Waihi, tho; borough Toll to bo used, and the poll to be conducted under tho auspices and at the expense of the council as if it wero an ordinary election—(l) lam in favour of an. agreement based on the federation principle; (2) I am in favour of an agreement registered under the Arbitration Act. "By this means public opinion would'bo placed, and probably provo the means of solving the problem. Every person in this community is affected by the strike; therefore, he or she should have a. voice in the matter. Those in a minority .'would have to submit to tho wishes of tho'great multitudo' ..."

.:.Considerable discussion followed. It Was decided that the lotter receive the samo treatment as the union's letter to the council asking that the town clerk and engineer 'be dismissed—namely, "That it lie on tho table."

In connection with youths who had been lodged in the Thames' gaol for breaches of the Defence Act, tho chairman proposed that the union organise a demonstration to- receive the youths at tho railway station on their return from imprisonment. '" The motion was lost, but it was understood that individual members could bo present. A member gave notice to movo at next mass meeting that, a secret ballot be taken, as to whether the union should withdraw^from tho federation and register under the Arbitration Act. A storm of disapproval followed, but tho member stood his ground, and insisted upon the motion being accepted. ; A special mass meeting is to be held on Monday next to deal with a notice of motion. >