TRAIN-LOADS OF SPECIALS.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1896, 3 November 1913, Page 8

TRAIN-LOADS OF SPECIALS.

THEY PROTECT STRIKE STEERERS. (By Telejrraph—Prees Association.) Palmorston, November 2. It was expected two Federation leaders would deliver au address in tho Square last night, and a crowd of about 6 thousand congregated, a rumour having spread of preparations for a warm time for them (or anyone else) who attempted disparaging comments upon men going to Wellington, to work tho boats or help to keep older. A motorcar was ready to run such individuals to a distant and lonely part of the district, whence it would tako a long and weary trudge to get hack to civilisation. Tho speakers, however, did not turn up. A couplo of individuals essayed an excited condemnation of freo labourers, but were hustled good-naturedly. Ono mail displayed great fleetness of foot. Two others wero taken to the Square, pond, but their yells for polico assistaueo led to the intervention of tho Three train-loads of special constables passed through Palmerston during tho afternoon, en route for Wellington. They also picked up several hero. About twenty federationists made a demonstration of hooting at tho station, but tho police maintained order, and a crowd of peoplo laughed at and tolerated them. One huge special man went for a big federationist who used an insulting epithet, but Inspector Mttrsack persuaded him to leave him alone. At Feilding Station the federationists wero dealt with by the special men.