Notes from the West Coast.

Maoriland Worker, Volume 2, Issue 74, 9 August 1912, Page 3

Notes from the West Coast.

RINGING CHRONICLES

The Call to Comradeship.

The past month has been one of considerable import. The most portentous sign of the times and the most potent phase of the awakening of the toilers is the class war now raging along coast and through interior. The call to comradeship—bow it echoes and re-echoes! What times to live in! The struggle for working-class supremacy via Waihi and Reefton workers, via the New Zealand Federation of Labor, via tho militant toilers of New Zealand and beyond—how it heartens! And who would not he steeled and strengthened to the uttermost by tho "leaders" appearing in our paper. "A Red Campaign." you say, Comrade Editor. Aye. Thrice inspiring aro those articles—strength of the proletariat of past ages condensed and crystallised; voice of the wajjeslaves of the present in f heir cry for justice; sinew of the. free men of the future, of the coming race. For Freedom. The visit to Westport a few weeks ago as one-of the delegates from Denniston to tho Fuller Branch of the F.L. I. bailed as s;ood fortune. I met the. comrades I had hoped to meet, and I am convinced that, .although-Socialists are not so numerous hereabouts as one would naturally expect from conditions prevailing, the revolutionary movement is strong along tho frontiers and outposts. In the evening the soapbox was surrounded by a goodly number of the port people. Comrade Stephenson presided, and Hunter, Hartley, Gillion, and Webb addressed. The grand old comrade from Yorkshire drew many interesting questions from his audience, aroused enthusiasm with his answers thereto, and probed right to the seat of their thinking faculty. The President of the F.L. was hailed with eagerness, and Webb gave the best fighting speech I have yet hoard upon immediate industrial and social concerns. Gillion, expresident of Reefton, now in Westport, gave a most interesting review of the trouble in that gold centre. He should bo heard of more. Forward the Red! Semple. Bob Semple, Organiser F.L-. was up "the Hill" a few days ago. Those who understand the class struggle know thnt be is a born fighter, naturally gifted with the forces necessary for the carrying out of the mission that is rightly entrusted to him. So intense has been the campaign to keep the red flag of the down-trodden, oppressed toiler flying that he has emerged from the scenes of action somewhat battle-scar-red and toil-worn. Our oppressors may think they havo battered Bob so as to make him a contribution to the hideous human scrap-heap, btit the hope of the emancipation of tho masses and the theme of a free-born people will preserve such as Semple in the fight till their last ounce of energy is expended. Truth First and Last. In my last notes from the Coast I put on record an incident that well illustrated solidarity amongst the youth in the mines. Harbinger of greater solidarity in more vital issues. In writing these notes from time to time I take the keenest of interest in assuring a compilation of true happenings. Truth or nothing is my watchword and motto. However, upon, closer investigation into this particular item I have to confess that the arrow fell short although tho magnificent solidarity was supremely evidenced. So I have to say that the decision arrived at by tho youths did not reach tho manager. This I hasten to add in the interests of justice. And in taking off my hat to Justice, I honor tbe solidarity of comrade toilers. Comrade H. Knight, who met with a serious accident a fortnight ago, is ha-p----p"ily progressing. The Red on Denniston. The S.P. in Denniston has been without a meeting place for a month. The comrades last to propound the principles of Socialism in Cosgrove's were Leighton and Knowles. The arm of the law carries power in our times, yet little did we think upon that occasion that wo were attending our farewell meeting. The party tenders its warmest thanks for the use of the billiard saloon to Mr. Cosgrove Knowles and Leighton were given a good audience, and the audience received with keen appreciation the message our comrades delivered in admirable manner. The party is now 50 strong, and the women on this desolate hill are becoming more than interested in Socialism; some have joined in the march of the toilers under the Red for freedom- "March on with us." Wo now meet in the "Old Hall." Last Sunday week, with Comrade Hall presiding, Comrade Robertson delivered a striking address. This was our young comrade's first—his maiden —speech, and 1 say without hesitation that he will bo a speaker of note on the soapbox in days to come. Others spoke, and songs of revolt were sung. A resolution was moved by Callaghan seconded by Hunter, and carried with enthusiasm, congratulating Tom Mann upon tho stand he is taking in England, and expressing jubilation at his release from prison along with other fighters for freedom. Tom Mann has been on tho heights of Denniston, and his visit was recalled vividly by Callaghan, secretary, who has done an immeasurable amount of good for the Red since the historic comrades have departed, and who is an ever-growing force.

Tho Socialist social and dance held recently was a magnificent success—a hundred couples graced tho floor. There will bo other records to read of ere long, I ween. The revolutionaries are irresistible on the Hill. The unity and enthusiasm existing within the party is the outstanding and most essential feature. Behold the joy of camaraderie and the grave concern of those who are against us. Forward, ever onward, comrades! Walhl-Reefton. Fellow-workers the world over, three cheers and a "tiger" for working-class solidarity—ringing, vibrating workingclass cheers for the Triumph of the Toilers in Revolt. Hats off to tho women, children and men of Waihi and Reef-ton,-BILLY BANJO.