Strike and Lockout

Maoriland Worker, Volume 3, Issue 78, 6 September 1912, Page 1

Strike and Lockout

News and Views.

The Westland Euginedrivers and Firemen's Union has applied for cancellation of its registration under the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act. * * * The miners employed in the Green Island collieries held a meeting on Monday night of last week to consider a reply from the owners to the men's demands for increased wages. The reply was to the effect that before the owners would consider the demands the men muse understand that any agreement entered into would have to be made an award of the Arbitration Court; and the miners, whose union is affiliated to the Federation of Labor, would have to form a fresh union and register under the Act. The miners, however, decided to stick to the Federation of Labor, and a deadlock may arise on the question of Federation or arbitration. And these Green Islanders must be upheld through thick and thin.

"What would blacklegs do in the event of a war?" appears to be a question growing out of a "West Australian" controversy. As black is a color that runs, the query is almost unnecessary

Workers of New Zealand, remember the Careys Pigotts. Azeft's and Gapons, and watch the Blacks.

Interviewed by the Christchurch "Press" as to certain reckless allegations of a slanderer—reprinted by the "Press"—H. R. Voyce, secretary Lyftelton Waterside Workers, vigorously and ably replied. Among other things, Mr. Voyce said that all members on joining the union signed a pledge to observe the, rules in their entirety. The statement that there had. b«en any intitnidation was -not in accordance witn factT* During the past 14 Weeks the Lyttellon union, comprising about 400 members, had paid in £620 10s. to the Waihi strike fund, and he asserted that not a single man had vov been put off" the roll of membership, lie further stated vhut the Federation had taken up the cause of the Lyttelton Waterside Workers in December last, and through the efforts of that organisation the members of the Lyttelton Waterside Workers' Union had received materral benefits both in regard to wages and conditions df labor. Therefore, the fact that tho Federation was involved in an industrial trouble had caused the Lyttelton Union to recognise that it was only right and just and their bounden duty to assist the Federation. That being so, he could see no reason why a few "discontents" should be allowed to escape payment of their levies while 93 per cent, of the members of the union were loi'al to the organisation.

The executive of the rodent Kaitangata Coalminers' Industrial Union has opened a voluntary subscription on behalf of the Waihi engine-drivers. In a circular which has been posted up, the executive puts forward the position thus: "The engine-drivers at Waihi are fighting in a good cause. We realise that owing to the stand they have taken we have been able to withstand successfully the forces of the Federation. To show our appreciation we have decided to ask for a voluntary contribution, which will bo duly acknowledged." The appeal is said to be meeting with a ready response. Let us weep.

In his sermon on agitators, Dr. Gibb quoted The Worker. In his presidential address, Goldie, of Auckland employers, quoted The Worker. The unmentionable "Voice" lives by quoting The Worker.

A meeting of the executive of the Seamen's Union was held in Wellington recently. Mr. Donovan (Wellington), president; Messrs. W. Belcher (Dunediu), secretary; W. T. Young (Wellington), Mackenzie (Dunedin), Munro and Jack (Auckland) were present. The executive did not censure Mr. Young for his conduct re strike and lock-out. # * *

There are two sets of waterside workers on the Timaru wharves, railway workers and those belonging to the

The Campaign for Workingclass Triumph.

ships, and some few weeks ago there was a strike owing tp two of the former not being members of the Waterside "Workers' Union. The waterside workers contended that the two men in question were deriving as much benefit as the members of the union, and were not paying for it. The men were members of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants, but the waterside workers would not agree to that body being the controlling power. The trouble was eventually ended by the two men joining the Waterside Workers' Union. Since then, however, the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants has been moving in the matter to maintain its standing. The society obtained legal advice that the waterside workers had no right to interfere with the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants or any one of its members. Furthermore, it was stated that the Minister of Railways would not recognise the claims of any man unless he was a member of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants. This aspect of the case was put before the railway workers, but the latest telegraphic information reports that 27 out of 30 odd railway workers casually employed on the wharves have signed a declaration that they are members of the Waterside Workers' Union, and prefer to remain so rather than join the Railway Servants' Soeietv.

We are sonry to see the Auckland General Laborers' Union squabbling so desperately over a merely verbal rule. Rules are meant to be men's servants, not their masters. These are the times that try men's souls. The perpetuating of grudges never did a union any good yet.

Cabled from Sydney to the press on August 29 that-ithe "Broken Hill miners have voted £-500 for the Waihi strikers. * * » Latest copies to hand of Westralian "Worker" and "Barrier Truth" contain interviews with Hickey and W*.bb respectively. * * * Perhaps the Christehyreh "Press" will kindly explain away the treatment meted out to the Auckland anti-con-script described in another column. * # * One of the best evidences of the existence of a real working-class spirit we have read for many a day is conveyed in our "special" about the Karangahake strike. * * * Tn "Reefton in London" the capitalised words are worth imprinting on the brain. » » # In view of the alleged probable defection of Huntly engine-drivers and the inferences of its wherefore, it is interesting to learn from our Waikato letter that engine-drivers and firemen were alone present at a recent meeting. * * * Having victimised the staunch Federationists the mines are now advertising as under: "Kaitangata Coal Mines. —Wanted, experienced coal miners. Apply to Mine Manager, Kaitangata Coal Mines, Kaitangata, Otago."

In dealing as a sensation with the W'aikino "lively scenes," the Press Association called them "arbitrationists," but for most workers another good old strong working-class word suffices.

It's useless Rhodes flinging out baits for disorganisation.—the miners are too fly for this, trick. The Waihi strike can only be settled through the Federation of Labor.

Mark Fagan and Tim Armstrong have been in Wellington this week, having been subpoenaed to give evidence re Otira tunnel. Both are thoroughly satisfied with the position of the Federation fight and highly pleased at the record demonstration of solidarity.

During the New York waiters' strike the pickets carried cameras concealed under their coats for the purpose of "snapping" scabs for identification and ostracism.