WAIHI WHIFFS.

Maoriland Worker, Volume 3, Issue 43, 5 January 1912, Page 13

WAIHI WHIFFS.

Waihi is calming down one more to normal conditions, now that the stress Mid strain of the elections is over.

Never before in the history of the goldiieMs has such enthusiasm &nd inch sincerity been displayed as was exhibited iln the recent political campaign. Many of our more ardent supporters keenly felt the "stings of defeat"; they could not calmly relish occupying second place, but those who lave studied deep of working-class history, who know the educational work that must be carried on, know full well that you cannot teach a child the fifth standard work before it has grasped its alphabet. The same applies to the older class of wage-slaves. There are hundreds who have heard Socialism for the first time in their lives this election. Too many old prejudices, too many cherished delusions, nave to be broken down, before those new pupils thoroughly understand Socialism —and vote for its candidates.

Next time (and I don't think it will be three years) they will be with us— nothing is surer.

W© are progressing at a rapid rate. Wβ are Boundly educating our fellow workers, male and female. In three years, our vote has increased over 100 per cent. In 1908 Socialist candidate R. F. Way polled nearly 800 votes: the Miners' "Union was 60 "advanced at that time as to run its president in opposition to the Socialist Party. That has changed. In 1911 Socialist candidate P. H. Hickey, with every official of the Waihi Miners' Union supporting him, as well as a large percentage of its members, polled just on 1700 votes 1 What other political party in Now Zealand can show such an intelligent increase? Comrade E. R. Hartley arrived back from Auckland before the first ballot, and remained until the second ballot was decided. Meetings were held of a most successful nature. On the last Sunday of his yisit, the Academy Theatre (the largest hall on the goldfields) was engaged, and it was expected to be a record meeting. The expectations were more than realised. Our genial comrade had the unique pleasure of addressing the largest audience ever addressed by a Socialist lecturer in Waihi. Numbers were unable lo gain admission, not even standingroom being available. The speaker was in splendid form, and delivered a stirring address. The hearty applause so frequently given and the most attentive hearing recorded was ample testimony to both the teaching a-nd pereonality of our talented comrade. Comrade M. J. Savage did yeoman service in Waihi on his recent trip. He has a fine expression, very clear and deliberate, weighs his worus well, and is heard to splendid advantage in the open air. He addressed several large meetings in the electorate on behalf of Comrade P. H. Hickey. Was ever an electorate so bombarded with speakers on Socialism as Ohmeurari in the recent fight. No other party in New Zealand could put tort!) such earnest advocates of justice ami equality as Waihi and district had the pleasure of listening to. Look! Scrapie, Fitzgerald, Scott Bennett, Frascr, Arris, Savage, Marshall, Hartley Ross, Hickey—not to mention the local rebels —'have delivered the message of emancipation with telling effect to large audiences of wage-slaves. And the reBult? Nearly 1700 workers recorded their vote in favor of abolishing wageslavery in favor of abolishing conscription, in favor of giving to those who produce the wealth of the world, the full product of their labor. The Socialist Party intends to strike out in a now direction, hitherto impossible, and which should produce excellent results. There is every indication of an increased membership, and as more members mean more money and as more money means more and better propaganda work—well, comrades watch Waihi. A fairy story of old relates how everything a certain princess touched was turned to gold. Whilst that cannot bo said of the Waihi Socialist I arty, this can be said: that every social function held under the aucpiws or tho party always proves an unqualified sueLs At the last social of the year a very largo audience was present. During the evening a presentation oi a valuable silver fruit dish was made- to Mrs P. H. Hickey by the ladies. Hie recipient feelingly responded. Comrade Hickey delivered a farewell lecture in Waihi to a packed hone* on "Tho Moral of tho Recent Baltic. In a clear manner the speaker showed the reason why the Reform Party and tho Liberal Party wore both opposed to the workers. W!i«n cither of these parties quarrelled, it was only to change owners of tlio spoils. Ihe workers wanted a system where spoils would be impossible. A very ontJmpiastic meeting was concluded by alj