The Millerton Movement.

Maoriland Worker, Volume 3, Issue 82, 4 October 1912, Page 3

The Millerton Movement.

VIGOROUS CONDEMNATION OF

GOVERNMENT.

ENTHUSIASTIC DEMONSTRATION. PASSIVE RESISTANCE, SOCIALISM,

INDrSTBTALISM

Things have bwn kept moving liero during the last reek or two by the visits of Comrades Howard and Holland. On September 1 the enorgotic President .of ihe N.Z.S.P. addressed a big meeting here on ."Conscription." During the meeting the Millerton P.R.U.'s marohed into the hall and on to the stage with their banner. "Wβ look forward witb pleasure to another visit from Comrade Howard-

Through the activity of out looal So cialist Party a series of meetings has been arranged for Comrade Holland m tho Buller district. On Saturday we listened to a splendid address on- tb<» "History of Strikes and Lock-outs : u Australia." On Sunday Comrade Holland addressed meetings of tho Socialist Party and the P.R.U. In the evening he gave one of the most stirring nnd eloquent addresses ever delivered here. The hall was filled to overflowing and throughout the speech there was frequent and enthusiastic applause. Comrade F. Grant occupied tho chair, and previous to tho address the audience, enthusiastically sang "The Fine" and Mrs. Hewitson delighted us with a song.

For nearly two hours Comrade Holland spoke on "Industrial Unionism and Arbitration," and his concluding remarks condemning the Government's action re the Waihi men and the need for all militant unionists to stand solidly together in support of the N.Z.F.L. evoked a tremendous demonstration of enthusiasm. Cheer after cheer was given for the Waihi men, for Parry and for the N.Z.F.L.

The statement by Mr. Dowgray that the district council had decided i'hat all workers in this district take a day off for the purpose of holding a monster mass meeting in Westport to protest against the imprisonment of Waihi miners was received with cheers, and a resolution was unanimously carried protesting against the imprisonment of the men and demanding their immediate release. If thoße reactionary leader-writers who desire and predict the downfall of the Federation of Labor could have been present at this meeting it would have been an eye-opener and an education to them as to the power that is behind the Teal indus*rLal unionism movemont in New Zealand. The dastardly attempt to use the Government and its law courts to aid the Waihi mine-owners in their fight against the men who produce the wealth of the country is calling forth the fighting spirit of all true industrial unionists, andr the hour of crisis will find the i men here solidly backing up the Federation in its fight for justice and industrial freedom.

The resolution of protest from the local Miners' Union to the Government called forth the following reply from Premier Massey. (Similar to one printed elsewhere.—Ed.)

In reply to the protest from the public meeting here Massey stated: "Your telegram duly received, and representations will receive serious consideration of Government."

At the annual meetting of the local Socialist Party all tie officials were re-elected unopposed for another 12 months, and were congratulated on their energetic activity in furthering the work of tbe party. The Literature Secretary reported that during the past nine months £22 worth of literature had been distributed here. Our party reluctantly said farewell to Comrade M. Alack, who has taken an active interest iin the Socialist work here, and has removed to Auckland. We shall doubtlese hear of Ms active participation in the Socialist propaganda work in Auckland.

' The looal P.R.U.'s held another social and dance here lately, and the hearty way in which the public rolled up to it is clear evidence that the boys have solidly behind them the whole of the Millerton people. By the way, in reply to the Miners' Union's protest against the proposed system of military detention, the Defence Minister asked: "Could the Union suggest to me—and I would he very glad to have their suggestion—any means by which we can get rid of this punishment for breaking the law." A law that imposes the vicious penalty of military detention and disenfranchisement on the lads who have the courage to stand true to right principles can never be allowed to disgrace our statute book. The abolition of the law is the only satisfactory solution to the Defence Minister's quandary.—REVElLLE.