THE STRIKE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 1166, 1 November 1913, Page 4

THE STRIKE.

JACK TARS READY

Shortly after the rioting near the Post and Telegraph Stores in Wateiloo Quay had ceased on Thursday, there were symptoms of activity on 11.M.5. Psyche. Mr W. G. Riddell, S.M., Mr A. H, Holmes, Clerk of the Court, Police-Superintendent Ellison, and Inspector Hendry arrived at the warship in a motor car. They proceeded on boaad, and held a consultation with the commander. Shortly afterwards an order was given, and was obeyed with the alacrity characteristic of the Navy. In a very short space of time the bluejackets paraded on the wool wharf, with rifles with fixed bayonets, and cartridge belts. The officer in charge put the detachment through certain movements necessary tor street encounters, and the men then returned to the ship. Meantime Mr Riddell had traversed the provisions of the Riot Act as they apply in New Zealand. He stated that, when any of His Majesty’s properly was in dauger, as in the P. and T. Stores incident, the men from the warship could go at once and defend it without being called upon by the civil authorities. Mr Riddell and the police officers then lelt the ship. From thenceforward two armed bluejackets, with fixed bayonets, kept “sentry go” at the head of the wharf. During the parade of the mau-o’-warsmeu, it was noticed that the machine guns on board were receiving attention, with a view to quickly unshipping them should the call be made. Leave was stopped on board the Psyche yesterday. Last evening two seamen were still doing “sentry go.” A noticeable feature about the warship all day was that the regular routine work, which is usually carried out while the vessel is in port, was stopped. The men were apparently kepi ready lor any sudden call.