MR BELCHER & THE MOB.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1900, 7 November 1913, Page 9

MR BELCHER & THE MOB.

STORMY SCENE AT LYTTELTON. • IBy Tefloyrapli—Press ABscxriatlooJ Clinstchurch, November 6. Mr. W. Belcher, secretary of tho Seamen's Union,' who arrived at Lyttelton to-hight on' his way to Wellington .to attend a Strike Conference, was subjected to,very hostilo treatment on his arrival at- tho wharf'. Ho was surrounded by a howling mob, demanding that'he should explain himself. Ho went aboard the Maori, had a conferonce with the crew, and, on leaving, was loudly cheered by the firemen on, the boat He was greeted with howls of rage from the strikers on the wharf, roughly-jostled, and shoved to the other sidq of the wharf where the was_ lying. The mob threatened to push him over the sido of the wharf, but tho police camo to tho-rescue, and held the crowd in check while Mr. Belcher boarded the vessel. Halfway up tho gangway he turned and faced tho howling mob, raised his- hat, bowed, and smiled, and; then disappeared. The storm of abuse, insult, and filthy language, continued until the Maunganui sailed. It is understood that Mr. Belcher strongly advised the firemen' ,on tho Maori to kesp tho ferry sorvico going as long as no cargo was carried. .The Maori will not sail until the full complement of firemen .is obtained. Mr. Belcher is making arrangements to get the men required, and it is expected that the Maori will sail to-morrow night for Wellington.