THE WAIHI STRIKE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 1047, 23 May 1912, Page 3

THE WAIHI STRIKE.

POSITION UNALTERED

MAYOR’S HONORARIUM REDUCED.

Waihi, May 21

Waihi has been very quiet today. All arrangements that had been made to pass the day were cancelled on account of the funeral of a unionist, an elderly man who died from some internal trouble after being a patient in the hospital for about a fortnight. There was a large procession, about one hundred and fifty following.

From inquiries made in Waihi there seems little promise of a friendly amalgamation of the Auckland and Waihi enginedrivers. The feeling is antagonistic to the Auckland Union, and entirely for independent registration. It is an old story and dales back six or seven years.

To-night a benefit concert for a distressed familyns crowded with miners and their families.

Since the commencement of the strike last Monday week, a feature has been the orderly behaviour of the men. There are no fresh developments. A monster procession is to take place in the main street to-morrow afternoon, and a sports meeting will be held later. A deputation representing the grocers of the town wailed upon the strike committee of the Miners’ Union and placed their position before the committee. This was found necessary in view of 'the severe criticism levied against the grocers, following their decision to conduct business on cash principles during the period of the strike. The deputation pointed out that they were compelled to adopt such methods in face of the notifications received from the Merchants’ Association, and the T&ames Valley Dairying Association, etc., to the effect that all orders must now be accompanied by cash. The grocers could not carry on business without cash, therefore they had no other alternative in the matter. The deputation received a good hearing at the hands of the committee, -.vao stated that the latter’s decision in the matter would be put at the next mass meeting in the shape of a resolution.

As a result of depression in the borough finances, brought about by the strike, the Borough Council, at a special meeting last night, decided to reduce the Mayor’s honorarium from ,£l5O to and asked the engineer to resign. He is to have the first refusal ot a fresh appointment if necessary.

THE ENGINE-DRIVERS’

DISPUTE.

Auckland, May 21

Mr T. Cain, secretary of the Auckland Engine-drivers’ Association, when seen this afternoon with reference to the objection which his union had lodged against the registration of the new Drivers and Firemen’s Union at Waihi, said the position was perfectly simple. Section nof the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act aimed at the prevention of a multiplication of unions in one industry in one district. His union felt that there was no need whatever for the formation of another union at Waihi, and the Waihi engine-drivers would be just as well served by coming into the Auckland Union, which was registered under the Arbitration Act, and worked under an award. It was true that the Waihi men desired to have firemen incorporated in their union, as was the case with most other unions of the kind in New Zealand, but the inclusion of firemen had been a subject on which the Auckland Union had been deliberating since April last. Ballot papers were now out dealing with this subject, and would be returnable by the 30th instant. “ The position as stated in a telegram from your Wellington correspondent in yesterday’s Star is correct,” added Mr Cain. The Waihi engine - drivers were members ot our union till 1904, when they seceded to join the Waihi Miners’ Union. Now they want to come back and work under the Act We feel justified in. asking that clause ix of the Act be observed, and only one union h allowed _to operate L tin- Auckland district.'