WAIHI STRIKE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 1055, 11 June 1912, Page 3

WAIHI STRIKE.

SIGNS OF UNREST. FEDERATION LOOKING FOR FUNDS. Waihi, Sunday. The effect of the strike, which has now run four weeks, shows a marked inactivity in every branch of local trade with the exception of billiard saloons. The general demeanour ol strikers leaves little to complain about. Notwithstanding their enforced idleness they show uo inclination to make any outward demonstration, yet it is generally believed that a section of the idlers are discontented and are out of sympathy with the Federation of Labour. Considerable interest was aroused in the town on Saturday afternoon by a report vide the Press Association that Mr W. E- Parry had resigned the vice presidency of the Federation of Labour, The news gave additional zest to the meeting of miners to be held that evening at which it had been announced that Mr P. C. Webb, president of the Federation of Labour, Mr Parry, vice-president, and Mr P. Fraser, president of the Auckland General Labourers, were to speak. However, it transpired that there was no truth in the report that Mr Parry had resigned. On Saturday evening a mass meeting was held, at which Mr Parry opened the proceedings and was straight away questioned as to what the Federation had done regarding Auckland general labourers’ dispute. The questioner was greeted with applause. Mr Parry expressed surprise at such a question‘‘at that stage of the game,” staling that Mr Fraser would probably deal with it. Mr Parry, proceeding, urged the strikers to stand solid and have confidence in the Federation uo matter what present appearances were. The reason for a sectional strike, the-speaker said, was that the Federation had decided ou a sectional fight, instead of calling out affiliated unions. The adoption of this course would enable an organiser to stump the country and exp ai j t . • cause of the strike 'and colic-, i. .a...... 10 provide for workers involved, pending a settlement.

Regarding the opposition to the Engine Drivers’ Union and its registration under 'the Arbitration Act, the speaker referred to steps taken by the Federation to prevent registration. The executive had waited on the Minister lor Labour and had pointed out that the granting of the application would place minorities in a position to dictate to majorities, explaining thatahandiul ot members oi the Waihi Miners’ Union could withdraw aud start another union. In reply, the Minister said there was no other course open thau that of granting the application. Mr Parry, before concluding, an emphatic denial to the report circulated that he had resigned office as vice-president of the Federation of Labour. tie was pleased to note that a conference had been arranged between the Federation and Mine Owners’ Association. This indicated, the speaker said, that the mine owners had withdrawn from conditions which suggested the clauses insisting that members of the Waihi Miners’ Union must guarantee to work amicably with the engine drivers and settle disputes between the two Unions before the owners would be prepared to discuss matters with the Federation delegates.

Mr Fraser (the last speaker) replying to a question as to what the Federation had done in connection with the Auckland general labourers’ dispute, said he was not prepared to say whether the Federation had acted wisely or otherwise. He believed things would right themselves. He had implicit faith in the organisation. Interjections followed his reiterated request for the Waihi men to stand solid. A general discussion ensued, during which a member took exception to moneys so far received being treated as distress funds and to the system of distribution. He contended the money should be dealt with as strike pay and members should be able to claim it as their rights. This suggestion was received with applause. A motion was put to the effect “That this Union endorses the action of the Federation of Labour.” An amendment or direct negative followed ; “That no endorsement of action of the Federation should be given pending settlement of the strike.”

Mr Parry asked the mover of the amendment to withdraw it, adding: "Do not let us have to appeal to you to withdraw the amendment, as in the event of your being compelled to do so it would go forth that the Union had lost confidence in the Federation. Subsequently the amendment was withdrawn, whilst the motion was also withdrawn, some members of the committee pointing out that while not desirous of voting against it they could not endorse the whole action of the .Federation. It was said by those in touch with the feeling of the meeting that had the motion been submitted it would have been defeated.