Auckland and Waihi.

Maoriland Worker, Volume 3, Issue 86, 1 November 1912, Page 2

Auckland and Waihi.

GENERAL OR SECTIONAL STRIKE 7 WATERSIDERS LEAVE TO FEDERATION. Dear -Sir,™ l should be glad if you would draw the attention of your readers to tlie following recent happenings in Aiickland: — On Sunday, October 20, a epecial meeting of the Waterside' Workers* Union was held in the Trades Hall, to hear Mr. Canham's report of the meeting in Wellington of the sub-committee which is considering the strike of the Auckland general laborers, whio have unofficially asked this union to strike in support, .. . . ~ ■ .a -.- • ■

After hearing three delegates, from' the Laborers' Union, the meeting heard' Mr. --Gftnlrain's--report,- after which.:-he answered questions. : At the close the" following motkfo and amendment were put to the meeting, the former being , earned by an overwhelming majority of the 600 men present, and the latter lost hr an equally large majority.

Motion: "That this union agrees to abide-by the instructions of the Federation executive in the matter of a strike and, recognising that it cannot stand alone, will not call any sectional strike by the Auckland Waterside Workers' Union without the consent of the Federation Executive; and that it be a recommendation to the Federation executive to consider opening a fund to assist genuine cases of victimisation of financial members of the General Laborers' Union." —Carried.

Amendment:. "That this meeting calls upon the executive to take general action to demand the release of the miners and .others 'who are ,?iciimised.'re eame^ , —iejjt..,. .'. ..... * :

It was also decided to take legal advice as to the treatment of the Waihi men in jail, as it is alleged that they are being illegally treated, badly fed, and that literature subscribed for by this union is withheld feom them. Should it be found that their treatment is in. contravention of the regulations this union intends making a public exposure of the matter.

, Owing to eotne dissatisfaction in the General Laborers' Union with the action of the Federation executive in not calling a general strike in support of them,, several of their members, supported by one or more persona from Waihi who claim to speak with authority, are openly stating that the Waihi miners are dissatisfied -with the notion of the Federation executive, and they (the Auckland men) say that they are going to ask for an interview with the prisoners, and advise them to get-sure-ties, as "if they wait for the Federation, they will stay there a year."

In order to set the matter at rest so far as the Waterside Workers' Union is concerned, Mr. Canihatn sent the following telegram to the Waihi Workers' Union and received the undenwrted reply :-

"Pat. Fraser, Miners' Hall, Waihi. Federation'having decided against general or sectional strike at present juncture, would general strike with the response the Federation can command assist materially in releasing the imprisoned strikers P Wire opinion of the Strike Committee.—Canham,"

"Canham, Waterslders, Auckland. Strike Committee strongly convinced general strike, even sectional strike anywllGre of federated unions at present means certain defeat at Waihi; indeed, betrayal of men and women who have fought uncomplainingly for 22 weeks. Victory sure if supported financially. Waihi can. do the rest. — H. Kennedy, president; Pat. Eraser, representing Federation."

This plain and definite statement should finally settle this matter, especially when it is borne in mind that, on the day on which the statement as to alleged dissatisfaction in Waihi was made, some 23 more miners arrived in Auckland jail rather iihan betray their principles and lose the right of peaceful picketing. Members of affiliated unions are earnestly requested to believe none of the statements which appear in the press re the Waihi trouble, but to reserve their judgment until they see the result of the plan of action which has bean decided upon. E. E. CANHAM, Executive Member representing Transport Workers. Auckland.