WAIHI WHIFFS,

Maoriland Worker, Volume 3, Issue 57, 12 April 1912, Page 10

WAIHI WHIFFS,

''Profit and Co."—A New Departure-Soap-box Speakers—Mayoral Election. The Miners' Hall was packed with an interested audience on the occasion of Comrade E. It. Hartley's instructive address on "Profit and Co., Robbers." Comrade Harry Melrose occupied the chair, and acquitted himself well. (Wo are encouraging all our new members to take the ohair at meetings, in order to prepare them for tho soap-box later on.)

As Coiiii'.'ttU- Hartley unfolded ihr , story of how we ivimc robbed, it »a.-; a treat t<j Hatch tho lar.ial expressions of some of the aui.liciiiM'j which plainly indiraUd "what l'ools >vc have: bwii nol to see through it before." Tin: leeturoi hs(ml I In: blackboard willi (<'lling cfr't■•■(. Mini u.iji heartily applauded by all present. 'I'll-* - oichestra once again proved a popular addition to our meetings. 'I wo little school Kills, the Misses .Notion, very inccly sujijj, "A Bunch oi' Daisies," which was deservedly apprcciyt-ed. Comrade Hartley ; -ahu recited "Tbe Three l'arson.s." We have inaugurated Sunday evening open-air meelijig.s, prior to our indoor meetings, and they have proved very successful so far. A large crowd gathers to, hear tjlic Salvation Army Jiand, and when they disperse out comes the soap-box, up flies a minister of the Gospel of Man and Revolt— and t-ho crowd stays to, listen. Waihi has several promising orators, and the soap-box is the- place to "do the deed." Wo want all the comrades to learn to address meetings; the crowd likes a change, and tho movement requires teachers. Waihi! To the soap-box. The Waihi Workers' Union decided to run a candidate for the Mayoral election, and as two nominations were received a ballot was taken to decide the fnionY choice. Messrs. FI. Kennedy and E. Patrick were, tho candidates, and Comrade. Kennedy was selected by a majority of 70 votes. It only remains for Waihi unionists to do their duty, and Waihi will have the privilege aiid honor of being tho first borough in Now Zealand to return, a .Socialist Mayor. ' . ■ . ' At a special general meeting of tho Union, a request' from tho Socialist Tarty for the ire© use of the hall ono night a week was granted, with but two dissentients. This is as it should bo. The Socialist Party is spreading the Gospel of Industrial Unionism, and it behoves all unionists, even if they are not members of the party, to assist such a party in their work of education. Forward, Wailiil At a meeting of; the Waihi Workers' Union it was deckled to send Mr. H. Kennedy to represent the Union at the Federation Conference. A number of remits were also considered and forwarded on. Active canvassing is taking place hero for tho Mayoral election. A large number have been enrolled during the past week or two, and prospects are very rosy at present. Tho Socialist Party must be very gratified at the success of their cn.'."•ement of Comrade E. R. Hartley. With tho exception of a few nights, the Miners' Hall has been crowded on every occasion. On Thursday, March 28, Comrade Hartley entertained a crowded house at a dramatic and humorous recital. This entertainment was an intellectual irea-t, and ono which everyone present heartily enjoyed. The entertainer ia an elocutionist of a very high order, and is a keen judge of human nature. At one moment a falling pin could bo heard, as the speaker described how "ono man gave up his i'o for his mate," whilst a little later, tho audience held their sides as they wero told how a young country girl behaved at a performance of "Hamlet." And now it is all over. On Sunday night, March 31, Comrade Hartley delivered his farewell address, entitled "Tho Only Way—Socialism," to a record house. He briefly traced all his previous lectures, and delivered tho verdict, "Tho Only Was," in a manner that appealed to all. He showed tho impotency of statesmanship, of war, of tho churches, to find a solution of this social problem. Ho showed how the more wo produce the poorer and moro wretched tho workers become. Ho showed tho ridiculousness of tho "buy cheap and, sell dear" theory Hβ showed us "tho only way." \\ orkcrs of tho world, unite. And how tho crowd cheered 1 Hβ gave us some splendid advice. He told us, no matter how wo fought and disagreed insido, when wo faced tho enemy wo must be united. Ho told us how he had enjoyed his two months in Waihi, and how ho believed he had dono some good. And then he said, "Farewell, Waihi." Tho audience rose and sang 'Tho Red Flag" earnestly and heartily, yet you could detect a feeling of regret in every voice. Then they sang "Auld Lang Syne," and seemed loth to go homo. Farewell, Friend Hartley! May tho same success attend you where.Our open-air meeting was well attended. Comrades Dye, McLennan, and Kennedy delivered tho_ revolutionary goods to a good audience. Tho crowds are improving, our speakers are improving, literature ia selling well, and tho anti-conscription boys are being summoned for not learning to murder their fellow-workers in tho latest patriotic manner. Our work is beginning to Bear Fruit, and trouble is fihaid for tho master-class. Forward, Waihi.—THE REBEL.