“JOHN” HANGS UP THE HOE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 2107, 25 March 1920, Page 4

“JOHN” HANGS UP THE HOE.

AND’ DESERTS THE CABBAGE

PATCH,

“ALLEE SAME STLIKER.

“Hoolah whampsd ■ mukku hilo, mo tenkschAt least it sounded like that, and there was a good d(fhl more of the same sort of thing from the band of Chinamen (all in their best bib and tucker, (dean bools, and collars, with no sign of Ihe market garden about them), that invaded Auckland on Monday (says the Star) by train from Avondale, the hpmo of the early cabbage and giant turnip. Various surmises were forthcoming for this Celestial irruption, from the finale to a social “dust-up” in suburban tilling circles to-a fete day in connection with one or other of the two bodies politic into which the Flowery Land is at present divided. When the voluble parly readied the Auckland railway station it made for the premises of a wellknown Chinese firm, and later the deputation emerged with the ghost of a smile flickering round its various features. It turns out that there was nothing political or of.a festive nature connected with the visit. The Celestials were merely in the fashion. They were on strike. Hanging up the hoe, and placing the longhandled shovel in the corner, they bought second-class return tickets, and-seeking out the ‘‘boss,” explained that they wanted more pay, until the matter was settled the lettuces and cauliflowers had to look after themselves. There was no question of hours, so fortunately the dispute was not double-barrel-led —that bug-boar of the Court and Council. After a full explanation of the position the terms of the agriculturists were granted, and it, is stated they now draw 12 in £2 5s a week, have quarters free, and food thrown in.

This makes the third time the gardeners have been out, and about the only thing left that will nor not strike must be the Japanese wooden matches now on the market. The Chinamen don't bother about registering under the Arbitration ‘Act, but have their unions never-’ thelc&; probably all tlic stronger because they are more or less secret. The Chinaman lias always had a predilection for the secret society,, and adopts the same procedure iu his labour agitations. He doesn’t worry the Press with reports of Jus meetings, or pass resolutions demanding the intervention of the Minister of Labour, but achieves his object all the same. Anyhow, for the present peace once more reigns iu the potato rows at Avondale, and John is this morning once more hoeing into it again with very nearly a grin on his inscrutable "dial.”