The Battle of Ohinemuri.

Maoriland Worker, Volume 3, Issue 43, 5 January 1912, Page 8

The Battle of Ohinemuri.

I hitV'i been through a political campa j£tj. I entered it distrustful of the wisdom of political action. I have emerged from the fray defeated, but i-oiiviiicfd of the benefits of political campaigns as educational mediums.

There is something about a political campaign thai stirs one's soul, even in tin:- case of the most apathetic. Tho very atmosphere compels the dullest or most indifferent to centre somo attonton upon the questions of tho day mid marshals the enthusiastic into a solid body which would dare anything in the cause they espouse.

The Ohinemuri contest was a trial of strength between Socialism on the one hand and Liberalism and Reform on ihe other. There was no mistaking the issue. It was clear cut. The verdkt was against Socialism, but the victory was with the Socialists 'in so far as it demonstrated that in Ohinemuri there are 1700 men and women who will not be led astray by tin; natch fries of old parties, cv yi the lion! of "Laborism" being laughed to scorn.

Never was a fight conducted upon more class-conscious Hues, aiid this class-consciousness was only possible because of the men and women behind' the light.

Of the fight itself—well, 'twas glorious. To see those men and women of Ohmeinuri swing into lino, earnest, energetic and enthusiastic in the causeof Freedom, was indeed inspiring: it was a privilege to take part in that contest.

Tho message of Emancipation was preached by comrades like Scott Bennett, Hartley, Scmple, Savage and others, who came from afar to assist in the fray, and their niosagc wat--Re volution.

The expense was cheerfully borne by stalwarts of the electorate, demonstrating yet once again that one and all were prepared to dip down deep into their pockets in support of their political faith. Tacking upon our masthead the hnnner of "No Compromise: llevohuion and not Reform," the currying nf \) contest into the second ballot was ;\ stupendous task. To mc it Inns dci""-.-,. strntod beyond cavil that the worWs want Socialism and arc prepared for it ; the only stumbling blocks are wenkkneed "leaders" of the respectable "labor" type, who are at once a curs*' to Now Zealand and her sister States of Australia. The, comrades of Ohir.emuri will do great things. I venture to predict that the electorate has been captured for the. last time by a capitalist politician. Before long it "will be won for Socialism, never to be lost again. The, educational work has been enor-

Some Reflections.

By P. H. HICK^Y

mous, and the uenoilcial effects farleaeliing. The ranks cf the Socialist brant.iies at both Waihi and hake are doubly stronjr because of th<couti'sr, and daily their numbers, are incrciisini; , .

In Wiiihi I expect great thine? to hnppi'ii. There am great potcniiniit;Ys in that milling centre. There is tale lit equal to any tiling in New Z--a-laml, and there is organising ability superior by far to mo.,t- And from now on these comrades aio going to set to work to carry the message aiield. though not neglecting their own town.

Just a word as to the conduct of Waihi Fuderationists. It is quite tnie that a section "nst-tc-d" upon their organisation. But the vast majority was as solid as a rock. There were a groat many unionists in Waihi who had no vote owing to the residential qualification, but they were staunch fighters —every one. The Waihi Union has cause, to feel proud of the loyalty of its members; the exceptions will learn —as we all had to learn —that the secret of working-class success is Solidarity.

I have left "Waihi with penuine f(•<■]ings of regret, for I leave behind mc men and women, comrades all, who have inspired mc, helped mc, smi chrcred mc. 1 say.- those same comrades on the night of the battle, ii. i-h-K hour of defeatj s-iirrcd to the tVips by tlit , . lack of solidarity of some <..J their fellows. Girls not yet out of their teens, young maids ar.d yoiin;_' matrons, niiddle-aged ladies and okl ladies—old in years but youthful i: , .

spirit nnd unconquerable- detcrminr.tiin —I saw them with tears upon liifir cheeks because victi.-ry was not ours. And I knew that here was a force, hero was the spirit, which dors things. [ saw men, from mere youths to old mcn —I .saw them moretl Lteau.se of tinignorance of their cr.tss as r< (if ot>-<l ir. the flection returns. Tiioii" fetlir.gs were displayed in a different manner— 1)\- a silent grip of the hand or ] y curses deep and Ion;:, recording to twtemperamont, both c.'iuall.v elow,iK-ut <..f the unconquerable lire within and a determination to eo'itiuue that w.-vk which would transform defeat into victory, making success, doubly sweet L-o ean'se of the difficulties overcome.

"Well, the. fight is over, and we turi: mice more to active propaganda work, preparatory to the ii"xt contest. For those coiiirad.'s who fov.-'-it s--i nobly in the recent butile my f<-! ; iius are those of loon adiiiiratioii. I ,mi in a "wet" el'ctoratc now. B :vi liie law permits ire to drmk y<v.;r health. ''Here's to you! ,. And now, to work, ;■ of Ohinemuri!