ARMED CONSTABLES ON STRIKE.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2316, 19 August 1880, Page 2

ARMED CONSTABLES ON STRIKE.

[By Telegraph.]

Wellington, August 17

A sensational rumour was afloat to-day that the Armed Constabulary had struck against the 10 per cent reduction in their pay, and had left the camp in a body, leaving the camps and stores at the mercy of the Maoris. This story is a gross exaggeration, the facts being as follows; — On. notification of the 10 per cent reductions in pay being given to the Constabulary, there was a deal of gi’umbling and some of the men asserted that it was a breach of faith, on the strength of which they claimed their discharge. Colonel Huberts reporting this to headquarters, he was instructed to forward the names of all dissatisfied with the position, and who desired a change, on which it would at once be granted. Colonel Heberts accordingly transmitted the names by telegraph to-day of I'J men who asked for their discharge. He has been instructed by Colonel Header to inform the malcontents that the Government will grant their discharge as requested, and will moreover give them free passages back to Wellington, by the Hincmoa, if they desire, so that they may not be put to inconvenience. The Hincmoa will take up a relief of men from Wellington to replace those who leave the force, the Government having abundance of men available, including discharged policemen, a list of whom is kept ready for any such opening for their services.