STRIKE ON THE AUCKLAND AND WAIKATO RAILWAY

Evening Star, Issue 2800, 7 February 1872, Page 2

STRIKE ON THE AUCKLAND AND WAIKATO RAILWAY

The Auckland Evening Star of January 22 says : On Saturday afternoon Mr Hope, the ganger of the men employed on the Waikato Railway, informed the employes that they would be required to work until five o’clock on that day. This they declined to accede to ; and, on the clock striking four, knocked off work. This morning the following notice was issued to the workmen, whereupon the men refused to proceed :—. “ Notice.“ All men accepting employment, engage to work nine hours for every week day, with the exception of every second Saturday, when the work will terminate at 4 p.m. Payment for wages will be made every four weeks, but money may be paid on account two weeks before the general pay day. The pay sheet will be made up to Thursday night, being two days preceding the monthly pay day.” At a meeting of the workmen, held sub« sequently, it was unauim'ously resolved that “the workmen are willing to work overtime, but refuse to work nine hours a day, it being contrary to the established usages of the colony.” A few' days afterwards 100 of the workmen assembled near Albert Barracks to discuss their grievances. The chairman was one O’Hallaran, who is thus described:—“ His countenance, demeanour and language showed unmistakcable signs of incipient insanity ; he is ever foremost in agitation, though he seems to do very little work. ” One of the speakers possessed a rude eloquence, which, though wandering, sometimes hits land. Glancing not very obliqut-ly at Mr Brogden, he asked—“ When God sent Adam to work in the Garden of Eden, did he send with him $ Nigger driver ?" The question afforded no little amusemerft." Late' telegranis say the strike has ended.