Organiser's Doings

Maoriland Worker, Volume 2, Issue 14, 9 June 1911, Page 11

Organiser's Doings

ROBERT SEMPLE ON TOUR

A WORKING-CLASS AWAKENING.

Dear Woeke!-.—Following is an account of my movements since last report :— On Monday, May 15th, I attended a business meeting of the Waihi Union. This meeting Avas called for tho purpose of dealing "with the new reference drawn up by tho Committee and Exocutive. assisted by myself. The hall was packed, and the greatest of interest was taken in every clause. The reference was adopted with slight alteration. We also brought down a proposal to abolish the sweating contract system and to inaugurate a system of co-operative contract —share and share alike. Wo decided not to submit this proposal to the companies ; we claim it is a cmestion for the men alone to deal with.

As it was necessary to postpone the meeting until tho following Saturday night, I was unable to remain in Waihi. I was billed to speak in Auckland on tha Friday. I have received a wire from McMullin, Sec. of tho Waihi Union, informing mc that tho meeting was well uttended and that our proposal ro the co-operative system was unanimously adopted. The reference has been forwarded to the mine proprietors along with a request for a conference.

I spent Tuesday, May Kith, in tho Thames canvassing for The WotuvKß. and Wednesday in Waihi.

I left for Auckland on Thursday, where T met P. H. Hickey. We attended a meeting of the Auckland General Labourers' Union on Friday night. This is one of the largest, unions in the Auckland Province, and has in its ranks some of the best type of militant unionists. The officers aro also fighters and c.nn he found on Sunday evenings on the street -orner addressing meetings on industrial unionism. For Saturday night wo organised an open-air meeting at tho Grey statue, the object being to boom our paper. A great many beer fighters wero present and made it impossible for us to proceed.

On Sunday evening I took part in tbo open-air meeting on the street corner,. mad at night I said a few words at Scott Bennett's meeting in the Opera House. This was a meeting to be remembered. Ecotb Bennett's subject was " Bayonets and Boys." Needless to say he handled it in a masterly fashion. At the conclusion of tho meeting a resolution was carried unanimously condemning mil-i itarism in any form.

The movement is making marvellous! progress in Axickland, which is entirely due to the untiring energies of tho Auckland comrades. It gives one new life And new hopes after spending a few days amongst such sterling warriors. I visited Huntley on Wednesday, May 24th, and addressed a well attended meeting. I received a hearty reception. I spent several days in Huntley canvassing; for ads. for The Worker, and met -with great success. On Sunday night I' joined with the local comrades in their visual open-air meeting.

In my last report I assured you that I would try and secure £100 -worth of uvds. before I returned ; rather a large undertaking ; but I feel sure I will succeed' in my effort. I have secured over £90. worth up to date. Our paper is one of; the grandest educational mediums south ©f the line, and it is the duty of every' member of the Federation to lend a helping hand in securing its safety

R. SEMPLE, Organiser, N.Z.F.L.

(On leaving Huntley tho organiser l came to Wellington for a couple of days,j And last week-end started out for thei Palmerston and Foxton districts. —Ed.)'