SEDDONVILLE SCRAPS

Maoriland Worker, Volume 2, Issue 71, 19 July 1912, Page 15

SEDDONVILLE SCRAPS

Semple Speaks.

Mr. R. Semple, organiser, recently addressed a largely attended meeting of workers and the general, public, speaking on the Waihi and Reefton trouble, lie gave an excellent survey of the situation and justified the action of the Federation of Labor. In a defence of himself, he made reference to the unfair criticism of this country. Ho contended that he was the most abused man in the Labor movement in Australasia. Tho statements put forth by the press were absolutely untrue, and he was there to put before the people his side of the ease from tho public platform, which he did in the most convincing manner. At the conclusion of his address, he was loudly applauded. After a number of questions had been asked and answered, the following resolutions were put to the mooting and carried unanimously: — "(1) In connection with the Waihi strike, it is the opinion of this meeting that the interpretation placed on tho clause of the C. and A. Act by the Crown Law officers is contrary to the intention of the Legislature, and is altogether against the interests of the workers, in view of the fact that it brings about a state of compulsory arbitration; and we arc further of the opinion that the men of Reefton were justified in resisting the installation of the single-handed popper, and that they have our utmost sympathy in this lock-out." "(2) That this meeting detests tho misrepresentations of the press in regard to the officials of the Federation of Labor; and that we endorse the action of our officers against all their unjust criticism, and aro prepared to stand by them at this crisis." "(3) That wo do not approve of the action of our officials in giving their pay to tho 6triko fund, and that thoy pay only 10 per cent, with tho rest of tho -orkera."-JOHN MACKIE, secretory.