Howard Talks.

Maoriland Worker, Volume 3, Issue 83, 11 October 1912, Page 3

Howard Talks.

HOW FARES THE FEDERATION?

Mr. E. J. Howard, a member of the executive of the Federation of Labor, informed a Christchurch reporter last week-end that members of the unions affiliated to tho Federation were anxious that the executive should call b general striko, and he indicated that some difficulty was being experienced in restraining somo of tho more eager unions. Ho added : "We know a thing or two that makes it not worth while calling a general strike at present. All tho industrial concerns have in hand stocks of coal and it- is only householders that are. short. If a general strike is over called it will bo when the wool and grain are still in the oountry." Regarding Waihi, Mr. Howard stated that tho Federation has in no way altered its tactics. It was only the polioe who had dono so. They were now "refusing to arrest men." The Federation had telegrams and letters from all over the Dominion from men willing to take the.places ci those;.who had gone..to jail; and women were also offering. Ho alleged that tho tactics adopted, until recently, by the police authorities at Waihi were based on a. secret report by the Conciliation Commissioners, which they submitted to the Hon. W. F. Massoy, as Minister of Labor.

Financially and numerically, the Federation was stronger to-day than when tbe strike began. He further alleged that tho Federation "knew every ■shadow" that went into the Waihi Company's mine, and it knew that at present there wero only four strikers who had returned to work. The remainder were men from Waikino.

Mr. Howard went on to say that tho total contributions received by tho Federation for the Waihi and Reefton men Were now close upon £20,000, and it (the Federation) could easily keep the strike going till Christmas. In fact, though strike.pay had been paid out by contributions received, the Federation was building tip a reserve fund. "Australia will stand by us," he added, "and awaits the word to down tools."