Reefton's Strong Fight.

Maoriland Worker, Volume 2, Issue 71, 19 July 1912, Page 6

Reefton's Strong Fight.

Seeking Scab Aid.

The [dull monotony of awaiting developments Was broken when rumor got abroad that attempts were being made to work the Energetic mine with the popper single-handed When the lockout hist occurred instructions were, issued to all mombers to do nothing thatwon Id leave them open to the charge ol striking. Consequently, all those not directly affected remained at work. Engine-drivers, watchmen, and a few battery and surfaeernen have thus been cnnploj od until this last move was made. Our friend Evans, whose schemes always give the impression of having boon hatched in the nursery, became possessed of the idea that those members of tho union who remained at work could be induced to aid in the furtherance of his plans. The Retort Splendid. But when it became known that it was tho intention of the management to commence operations on the singlchujidod system we wero treated to a display of class notion, as pleasing and encouraging to us a<s it was demoralising to the amateur dictator. Somo of tho staff managers, assistant managers and panmikin bosses of different grndes displayed their loyalty by consenting to do what they were told. The moan small souls of them aro apparently hired with their bodies, and their loyalty has very obviously a market value. However, the efforts ol every available member of rtie staff concent] ated in the one mine were naturally expected to bo not devoid of result. The hope was cherished in at least ono heart that tho world would be provided with an object lesson on the possibility of successfully operating the machines under the new conditions. But the miniature Napoleon by whose direction the plans were laid had overlooked one important factor. Unionists Solid, When the intention of the k-lieme became apparent, uneasiness manifested itself amongst those members of the Union still engaged about the mine. On the last Friday in June two members of the engine-room staff (neither of them in our union) and a couple of blacksmiths expressed a desire for a holiday, which the management bad no option but to grant. The following day the remaining drivers and hrem-Mi found that there was something intolerably oppressive in the Energetic atmosphere, and decided to quit.

Two drivers at "Wahita wore hurriedly telephoned for, but on arrival refused point blank to have anything to do with so evil a placo. They returned on Monday morning, carrying in their hearts tho knowledge of a good deed done and in their ears a message of gratitude from the fighting rank and file.

Meantime, in the still, silent hours of Friday night a mysterious siguwriter had been at work, and the railings and woodwork along the road to the mine were adorned with tike names of the

Attempting to Introduce Blacklegs.

(From Our Own Correspondent.)

faithful servants, to which were «t« tached various explanatory and unflattering epithets and phrases.

A mass meeting was held in the Princess Theatre on Sunday afternoon. A full account of the events related above was laid before mcmberß, but, for fear of incurring penalties provided under the I.C. and A. Act for striking; no action was taken.

Nevertheless, on Mlonday morning, July 1, all thoso members of the union wiio bad up till then been engaged in and about tlio mine turned np to wori. as usual and announced to the boss that the Energetic had become a highly undesirable place to work in, and that tliey had resolved to remain there no longer. And they also left. Beloved Arbitration t The fact that the union was tillable to take any action whatever in 80 grave a crisis tends to increase the already unbounded popularity of the Arbitration Court, to which institution w« aro indebted for the ties that bind us; and any suggestion that we should cancel our registration under the I.C. and A. Act would undoubtedly be spurned with indignation. Amongst its officials the company possesses one who holds a winder's certificate, and with him on the; engine platform an obviously futile attempt is being mado to work tho mine. The name, of thoso who are working single-handed on the machines are being engraved on the hearts and minds of tho men who aro facing starvation rather than do this work. Herewith we assure theni that we will not forget. Protection. The company's application for protection will be heard on. July 11, and will probably be granted. . We learn that if protection' is refused they may appeal and receive provisional protection pending tho hearing of the appeal. Tha time taken to bring the appealing business to an end may bo anything up to two years, and it is pretty certain that before that timo we shall have got a decision from our own Court. Appreciation. Though the number of men who havfi left the field is considerable, our payroll is still very substantial. Yourt Waiuta correspondent erred when ho stated in The Work eh of June 28 that we had 250 members of the union still at work. The number of men working is a great deal loss than that, and since many are engaged in temporary, relief work it is impossible to state our actual levy.

Words can convey only a feeble expression of our gratitude to those who aro so cheerfully responding to the call of tlicir class in distress. I will niako J no further remark than to say thai' Inangahua will never forget.

All's well and everyone cheerful and confident. An impression of quiet, unspoken resolve is gathered from evcrj man you speak to, and whether the battle bo long or short, even or angry, victory for us seems assured.