THREATENED MINERS SWOOP

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1909, 18 November 1913, Page 8

THREATENED MINERS SWOOP

ON HOKITIICA SHIPPING. THE MEASURES TO REPEL THEM (By Ti'leßr.-iph'.—Press Association.) Hokftfka, November 17. S.s. Holmdaio is expected to arrive hero from Timaru at noon to-morrow with a general cargo for Greymouth and Hokitika. For tho past few days rumours have been current that four or fivo hundred men from Blackball, RuB.aiiga, and Greymouth .».intend visiting Hokitika for tho purpqs.o of preventing tho unloading or loading of cargo. Tho Mayor stated that residents of Hokitika and district- were looked upon as a very peaceable community, but ho said tliat, while not wishing to participate in a conflict with those who,, it was alleged, intended interfering with tho working of tho port, every, precaution .should bo taken to prevent such a proceeding. This afternoon a meeting of citizens was convened, and, although held at exceedingly short notice, there was a very largo attendance. The Mayor prosided, and. tho . various speakers (including Sir. Jl. Li Michel, chairman of tho Harbour Board) referred to tho necessity of preparing for any emergency, Great enthusiasm prevailed throughout, and it was ascertained that those present woro unanimous in responding to the call for special, constables, It was announced that these would bo sworn in later on in the evening.. Over two hundred offered their services for duty. In addition to,these sixty mounted men. from Kokatahi and Koiterangi havo also 'offered, their services, while Araliura, Kumara, Kanier:, Rimu, and Ruatapu. and othor % centrcs have offered to provide contingents (including mounted men) if necessary- It is evident that no difficulty _will lie experienced iii raising 600 or 700 men in a few hours should their services he required. A feature of the position is the largo number of sawmill hands a.wd other world up men w.ho .havo \oluiiteerodj-. and the exceedingly small number m sympathy with those who threaten to stop shipping operations at this port. file residents are determined to niilor.-t and load the Holmdaio and any other steamers trading to Hokitika. Fortunately, the Hoimdale is drawing Only from H to IS feet ef water, and, provided.tho weather is- at ail favourable, ihoro should be no difficulty in working tho port.

A lpeeMug of members of the Waterside .Workers' Union (Hie 'original body) was -hold yesterday mornm.ii for the pur* ■pnsn of r-alliiifi the roll. It is stated, thai 'on) of IfiO'.l names on the roll some. 1500 answered the call and (30 others could be accounted for.