AFFAIRS IN WAIHI.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 1096, 14 September 1912, Page 4

AFFAIRS IN WAIHI.

Waihi, S:pt. xx

The number of free labourers is steadily increasing, and the presence of the police in large numbers has had the effect of stopping to a large extent the following up of the Arbitrationists with an accompaniment of insulting remarks. Members of the Union not in sympathy with the strikers are also getting bolder, and are beginning to take a decided stand against the strikers in the newspapers. Among the number is a Mr E. N. Davies, who wrote boldly and strongly a few days ago about the intolerant methods of the strikers, and he suggested the formation of an Industrialists’ Anti - Coercion League. His comments drew a letter from a Mr Thompson, and in a further reply to the latter he puts the case very accurately and concisely, with considerable support when in his strong denouncement be says : “I oppose the Federation of Labour because it has proved itself undemocratic and intolerant in principle and in practice. It asks for toleration and liberty, but will not concede this to others. It has made levies in Waihi without complying with the rules of the local Union, which appoint certain officers for the purpose. It has sought to establish authority by offensive language from its representatives. It has sought to coerce men into paying subscriptions and contributions they were opposed to by use of insulting epithets and the boycott. It also apparent!.' fears a free and uninfluenced expression of opinion by means of a secret ballot, as much as Satan hates holy water. Professing to aim at establishing the brotherhood of man, it preaches a class of war and hatred thatit is as unreasonable and unfounded as it Is unsociable and objectionable. To combat this and to help keep alive the right of private judgment, the right to hold and express an opinion of your own. I have opposed the tactics and methods of the Federation. Some day Mr Thompson may realise that personal liberty is of more importance than a sixpence per day increase in wages. This is my malady. What is Mr Thompson’s ? lam pleased that his personal opinion favours arbitration instead of strike, so will gladly add his name to my Industrialists’ Anti-Coercion League." The strike at Waihi commenced on May 14th, the men being called out on that date by the leaders of the Union on the ground that they would not allow union members to be lowered into the mine by men who did not belong to the union affiliated with the Federation of Labour. The drivers and winders comprising this tabooed union refused to sever their connection with the Arbitration Act, and the miners refused to enter the mine until the company adjusted the position. The company took up the attitude that it was no quarrel of theirs, and the miners and winders would have to adjust their own differences. The strike has gone on week after week for four months, and has resulted in a total loss to the men of ,£108,324 in wages.

The fact that fifty men are now working at Waikino indicates that the Arbitratiouists are increasing in number. All through the strike the 150 men employed at Hora Hora have remained at their work, and the Waikino detachment has increased from 20 last week to 50 to-day. The attitude of the company in regard to the employment of labour is contained in the statement by Mr Rhodes, which was published last week. Mr Rhodes then declared that though it was quite true that no agreement would be made with any union or federation not registered under the Arbitration Act, the mine owners purposely left it open for miners to start work without any agreement whatever, if they thought fit. When sufficient miners offered to work without any agreement the probability is that their desire will be favourably considered. There is no special virtue in an agreement which men will not abide by, hence we do not at present regard the necessity for an agreement as a very burning question.”