SCENES IN THE SQUARE

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1890, 27 October 1913, Page 4

SCENES IN THE SQUARE

THE DOG WITH A MISSION.

Aftor the men had visited the ships mentioned, and were satisfied that everything was to their liking comparative order prevailed in the Square—the general meeting-place. Arguments there wero in plenty, but except for gesticulations and a "little jostling of- the crowd no disturbances occurred. Members of the Striko Committeo and pickets wero always on the spot to quell the slightest sign of any rowdyism. In fact, so quiet did things become in this particular part of tlio sceno of operations that many of the police, wero ordered to return to their jiarracks. About noon a dog innocently caused a commotion in tho crowd. Some of tho men had secured a pretty littlo tan-coloured dog, and had tied ,a couple of- placards on either side of it,' bearing tho words "Show me a 'scab'" and "I hate a 'scab'." Sandy appeared to enjoy tho attention and importance thrust upon him. Ho trotted in and out of the crowd and was potted and fondled by tho strikers. - |

Evon after permission had been given them to go on tho wharves tlie men did not appear to take advantage of it. Tho wharves had a very deserted appearance, and one could easily have mistaken tho day for a Sunday morning. In comparison with Friday, thoro was little, or no vehicular traffic. As all cargo working Jiad been fully suspended thero was*nothing for- carts to do and instead of a constant stream of vehioles of all descriptions passing through tho main .gates, as was tho caso all day on Friday, tlio current of traffic had been reduced to a mere trickle. Tho cessation of work on tho steamers given tho strikers 110 further excuse fojj raiding. Tho band ceased playing at*'j about noon, and tho Square soon assumed its normal appearance. During the afternoon a small Orowd gathored to hear tho "soap-box" orators. Li consisted mostly of Saturday afternoon holiday-makers and spectators. Very few "fellow-workers" and "comrades" were thero to hear what embryo strike leaders had to talk about. Again during tho evening things were quiet, save for a little rush which'was mado on tho Terawhiti at CJydo Quay. It appears that somo mattresses and bedding'wero being placed aboard the vessel for the uso of her officers and crew. The news soon reached the ears ,of some of the strikers, and a rush was made for the ship. After a "through investigation," as ono man put it, tho strikers were satisfied,' and nothing further happened. Some roughs assaulted a man at the Railway Wharf at about 11 p.m., and ho received a very rough handling. When midnight struck all was peaceful and still.