WESTPORT WHISPERS.

Maoriland Worker, Volume 2, Issue 31, 6 October 1911, Page 7

WESTPORT WHISPERS.

BEATING CONSCRIPTION

We had Comrades Webb and Semple in this district for a week, commencing on September 9. On Saturday they both attended the District Council of the N.Z.F.L., Avhere a lot of important business'was discussed. One item —Should Aye take political action?— was" lengthily , discussed) and it Avas finally decided that the rank and file ■should declare'whether they Avere prepared to take action. From the returns to date, they" have decided Avith no uncertain voice "Yes." The result of the unions' combined ballot Avas: For the proposal, 112t5; against, 99. Reefton took a ballot previous to the council meeting—.result, 200 unanimous for the proposal, making a total of 1325 for "yes." On the return of Comrades Webb and Semple from the mining centre, they delivered an address to Avageworkers of Westport; T. Stephenson, President of fthe General Laborers' Union, in the chair. Mr. P. C Webb spoke first, and dealt fully Avith the political question and advised the Avorkers that the time had come when political action Avas necessary. He touched on the compulsory militarism question. A handful of hoodlums, otherwise called Territorials, interrupted frequently, but all the interjections could not put "Paddy" off his subject. Bob Semple outlined the policy of the Federation. He dealt with craft unionism and sectional strikes, and proved to his hearers that undoubtedly Avithout the Federation sectional strikes Avould have occurred. At tho close of the address, the Chairman, to test the feeling of the meeting, proposed a motion regarding compulsory conscription, and declared it carried by tAvo to one against conscription. This Avas the signal from about 20 organised hoodlums to break out, waving the TJnion (of what?) Jack. • When the Chairman declared the meeting closed, the gang walked out, trying to sing "Gorsave," Paddy good-naturedly beating time. _ This AA'a-s the first time conscription was taken up, and if Territorials can come organised to try and break up a meeting, they Avill find that at the next meeting unionists will be organised to preA r ent any noisy disturbance, and will throw out any offenders.—UNlONlST.