AFFAIRS AT WAIHI

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 1022, 12 November 1912, Page 3

AFFAIRS AT WAIHI

WORKERS ON TOP

Waxhi, Monday

A somewhat exciting incident occurred at Boswmth Road on Saturday afternoon, arising out of an attempt of t.vc or three mounted union picket men to interfere with a batch of workers who were making their way to Waihi.

The Company’s railway engine was waiting take these vx k s when the picket men appeared and with the idea of breaking up the detachment of workers, rode into tbeir ranks.

Scarcely had their horses reached the first line of workers when two mounted constables dashed at them.

The workers, as the constables and picket collided, momentarily broke tbeir ranks. The prompt and dexterous movement of the police scattered the picket horsemen, and within half a minute of the first onslaught the pickets were in full flight with the police close at tbeir heels. It was the greatest lace witnessed in the public streets for many a day, Asa sequel to the iuli mulaliuii of the past lew days of men marching in a body irom their work some f xciting --'ents took place in Main ;-Troel during Satnrdav aftc r n. ;i. Sonf workers assembled b-. the tin :.>;u;htare, and later marched it’ a body through V ; dn be, a short lime they completely dominated the town, effectually silencing the Federationists. It was the most extraordinary reversal of ilia order of things. The barrassed and oppressed suddenly asserted their rights as citizens and so thoroughly that spectators wondered why they had not done so long before. Their independent and aggressive attitude towards the Federationists made them masters ot a situation which they did not hitherto enjoy. In curious contrast to their experience of weeks past the workers congregated round the Seddon Memorial, from which point of vantage addresses were given by members from their ranks. Loud and prolonged cheers greeted the speakers, and the greatest enthusiasm prevailed. For mouths past the Arbitrationists or advocates ot arbitration have never attempted 10 give a public address, but on this occasion speaker after speaker gave voice to his beliefs with every confidence. Speeches were also given by others, who, though not members, were supporters of the new union.

HAPPENINGS ON MONDAY MORNING. WORKERS TURN ON STRIKERS. STRIKERS FEEEEIKE HUNTED RABBITS.

Waihi, Nov. ii.

The loug-looked-for clash beween the workers and nonworkers, or arbitratiouists and federationists, occurred this morning. The incidents in Seddou Street on Saturday afternoon were but a mild curtain-raiser to the events of this morning. At about 7.30 the men going to the shift at both the Waihi and Grand Junction mines, assembled opposite the new Union Hall here. They formed into a marching column, and started off four abreast, en route to the mines. Meanwhile the strikers and women congregated. As soon as they espied the workers coming they crossed over to the same side of the street, non-workers intermingling with women. The workers continued to march past without interference, excepting lor the usual chorus of brays from the women and men alike.

The procession proceeded on its way until it a point near the mine entrance. At this point a clash occurred. A Unionist picket made an insulting remark to a worker. High words followed between the two. Several citizens intervened, and endeavoured to restore peace, but notwithstanding their efforts in this direction blows were struck, and both men vveut at each other hot and strong. The incident seemed to be the signal lor an aggressive movement by the Arbitratiouists, and in a twinkling a stampede occurred. Line a bolt iron.) the b'.iK- the worku. •'’imed o;i .-ankers, and sm. ; a o' • (a ai right and

left. The women became panicstricken, and, shrieking, fled in all directions for safety.

The police were for' the time being powerless against the sudden and overwhelming onslaught of workers. No quarter was asked or given. The strikers were outnumbered by over three to one, and the cry went up from the ranks of the workers, “ Now boys, let’s at ’em.” The cry was answered by a yell, and the workers fell upon the hederationists with increased vigour. A regular Douuybrook scene loUowcd. The .-inkers had n>> choice, and fled incontinently anywhere lor saiety. Meanwhile individual fights were occurring thick and fast in all directions, while there were instances of strikers fleeing like bunted rabbits with workers at their heels. Such a scene was never before witnessed in Waihi.

There were one or two instances of several workers on to one striker. With these exceptions no unfair advantage was taken by the workers, the crowd insisting that there should be a fair deal. Within ten minutes of the first clash, Seddon Street had some appearance ol a Rattle-field. Snbse-