CHRISTCHURCH NEWS.

Industrial Unionist, Volume 1, Issue 16, 15 November 1913, Page 4

CHRISTCHURCH NEWS.

(Special to the “ 1.U.”)

The strike situation here is quiet, no attempt being made to work the wharves. The Strike Committee has been conferring with the farmers, with the object of inducing them to refrain from scabbing, with, I believe, some success.

Speakers addressed a meeting of farmers yesterday, and obtained an expression of sympathy with the strikers, and a contribution to the strike fund, which is in a healthy state just now. There are plenty of offers to maintain' the strikers children. The drivers, between them, have resolved not to handle scab goods, and the tramwaymen have expressed sympathy with the strikers. Three large meeting have been held here this week-end, and a total of over £2O collected. The Socialists and I.W.W. are very active, and are rendering good service.

Somebody went to the Mayor with the request that he should enroll “ sj:>eeials,” but being a good politician, he temporised, on the ground that as no disturbances have occurred, no specials were needed, and left the way open for a change of front, while posing as a friend of Labour.

Some of The local drapers and warehousemen have offered their employees’ services to the bosses to work the wharves, offering them (the employees) a bonus in addition to their regular pay.

It is difficult to obtain reliable information as to the probable number of scabs, because they fear the sack if they don’t appear to fall in with the bosses’ plans.