MEN'S HOLIDAY.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1888, 24 October 1913, Page 8

MEN'S HOLIDAY.

BAND PLAYS "MARSEILLAISE." Waterside workers seemed to enjoy their holiday yesterday. Tho men wore paid during the afternoon in lieu of today. Tho band turned out in full force and rendered several selections in tho Post Office Square. Tlioy started up with the "Marseillaise" and continued with music of a more sombre effect. Despite tho drizzling rain, a largo crowd of strikers and their friends and acquaintances gathered in tho Square. The crowd was an orderly ono. Jests were given and exchanged frequently, but no demonstration was made. Later in tho day "soap-box" orators spoke at length, and a large crowd assembled to hear ( them. Despite exhortations from excited lecturers, the men remained listless. A Frenchman and another foreigner told tho crowd how* strikes were conducted in their respective countries. It did not appear to matter who addressed tho crowd as long as they had something to listen to. It was a good move, and kept tho men interested in sniething. Games and Music. During the afternoon the band assembled in the waiting-room and played "soft music to .-soothe the troubled breast" of the strikers. All the afternoon men were coming and going. Some indulged in games, some' danced and sang, whilst others sat-in groups and discussed the situation. ; Fisticuffs. Several disputes occurred among members of tho union during the day, and on several occasions blows- were struck. As a matter of fact, half a dozen men were observed about the wharves with facial injuries. In most cases the disputes arose as {Tie outcome of arguments between Federation of Labour advocates and Arbitrationists. Last evening all was-quiet concerning amusements for the crowd, but the pickets were very busy in one case particularly.