Huntly Echoes.

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

Huntly Echoes.

SEDGEWIOK BOYS NOT WANTED

On May 24 organiser Semple addressed a goodly gathering of Workers at Huntly. Mr. J. Fulton (president) was. chairman. Bob briefly traced the history of the Worker from its inception. He made reference toi the domicile clause in the Compensation Act. He stated that it was likely that within a few months the Compensation Act would work Internationally and In tercolonially so as* to provide* for the payment of dues in ail cases of slaughtered bread-winners in the fields to industry. The Fed. of Labor was the force working for the change. "Bob" also brought forward the position of Domestic Servants in relation to compensation. He next traced th© history of Blackball troubles, and led up to the day when jiging by the miners was abolished. He dwelt upon Waihi. The contract system was a curse; a brutal system ! The men were at the bottom of the ladder and there was a powerful, horrible, crushing company to meet. The accidents at Waihi were distressing.

After a rousing address a number of questions were asked and answered. The following resolution was moved by J. E. Duncan, Union Secretary, and carried unanimously: "That we, the workers of Huntly, voice an emphatic protest against the Government in countenancing the importation of child-labour, in the personnel of the Sedgwick boys, not only because of the distressing fact that able-bodied men willing to work cannot find employment, but also we deem the importation to be against the best interests of those boys."

The local Socialists are progressing. Two years ago had Semple or any other spoken about the Red Flag a cold reception would have been the result, but to-day we heard the workers cheering when Bob waved the sacred banner.

Meetings are held regularly at the Station Gate® —the Socialist Stadium in Huntly—and are well attended.

The Union Library Committee has decided to hold a concert on June 24. Hopes are high for the success of this venture.

BILLY BANJO