Organiser's Notes.

Maoriland Worker, Volume 3, Issue 48, 9 February 1912, Page 4

Organiser's Notes.

By f EDWARD HARTLEY

The Huntly boy* are all right, arid great believers in the gospel of work. I enjoyed myself very much, the meeting being fairly successful. Marshall, Duncan, Robinson and the Banjo man, with many other doughty workers, make Huntly a certain factor in bringing New Zealand on towards Socialism.

The following night saw mc at Hamilton, where Smillie and his allies had been busy. We were outdoor, and a few somewhat beery interrupters, combined with a heavy shower, brought an otherwise successful meeting to_ an early close. Sympathisers were invited to a meeting on the Monday night to form a branch, and I am invited to go again for a meeting in the Town Hall. Saturday found us at Ngaruawahia, where, on walking round, I thought our meeting would be of the smallest kind. A steam launch brought ten from Huntly, and with Smillie and Toy from Hamilton for a nucleus, we got a very satisfactory crowd together. Robinson and Beck started the meeting, and we had a good time. The objectors were 'fairly beaten as we went along, and the questions were of a higher standard than usual. The discussion was continued right up to the train time- Just as the train was ready, I struck up "The Red Flag." and we sang three verses to the edification and astonishment of all around. It was hard pulling to get out of bed at 3 a.m. in order to get back to Auckland for the Sunday night, but we managed, and had a good meeting, though I was somewhat tired. At 10 o'clock on Sunday the Ngapuhi carried off the agitator to the Northern district. This was a good propaganda trip, though the advent of a circus on the very evenings wo had arranged our meetings for, and tho missing of a telegram, considerably upset our arrangements. We made the best of things, and Jim Rale worked liko two men.

Two meetings were held in Whangarei. and one each at Kiripaka and Hikurangi. Tfiey are small in numbers at the former, but full of enthusiasm. At Hikuranga they are more apathetic, but we got some of tho funniest questions I ever sampled. .Branches of the N.Z. Socialist Party are being formed, and if possible I mean to have another visit.' At Whangarci tho "Northern Advocate" startled the comrades by giving a good report, and, in addition, two eulogistic paragraphs about the lecturer and lecture, asking everybody to come to the second meeting. After l/ridav night's meeting over 30 names were taken for a branch. These axe to be forwarded to F. R. Cooke, Chancery Lane, Christchurch.

Sunday evening saw a very good .meeting in tho Opera House, Auckland, Where I dealt with some of tho supposed "Difficulties of Socialism." "Phil. •Blood's Leap" was very well received. Question time was a treat.

Monday night I was at Hamilton, whero a branch has been formed, and its first public meeting was held in the Town Hall, with the Mayor, who is also the M.P., in the chair. Questions were difficult to get, and were somewhat wide of the address. Our old friend ''incentive" was trotted out and effectually put aside for the time. "Will Socialism dcs.iroy religion ?•' was another. To which I retorted. "Could it?" —an answer which evidently startled the querist, especially when I ;added, "Oh, yo of little faith." _ If only these good people would consider a little! If Socialism is going to de•strov the Almighty, is be almighty? If he is almighty, why need His followers worry* After the Hamilton meeting I took a rest for the remainder of the week.