The Labor Blockade.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVII, Issue 54, 4 November 1913, Page 5

The Labor Blockade.

No Sign of Settlement. Men Determined to Remain Firm Removal of Special Police Requested. The Conference Proceeding. ' ' [Pee Priww Association.]

AT Wd-LINGTON.

to use their horses to clear the i streets quietly." The appearance of the mounted men was greeted with further shooting from under the verandahs. Com missioner Cullen said that he himself saw., that several shots were fired from one particular point. Two shots were fired by one man standing under v.

ARTILLERYMAN AND TWO BOYS

INJURED.

Wellington, November 3. A serious affray took place this evening near the Buckle Street Drill Hall, which is adjacent to the Permanent Artillery Barracks. It seems that the crowd gathered around watching the Permanent Artillery and special constables quartered at the Garrison Hall. As the crowd came too close and refused to go away, a hose was turned on them. They fell hack a bit and the hose was turned off. Then a shot was fired from amongst the ..crowd, and SergeantMajor Thompson, of the Permanent Artillery, fell. The crowd was next charged by the mounted special constables, who were subjected to a heavy fusillade of stones,. lumps of iron and other missiles, 'as well as the frequent peppering of revolver shots. In the melee two boys, one a telegraph messenger, were shot,, but not fatally, and an artilleryman was shot. N It is stated that Colonel Bume secured the. recall of the charging constables, .and then, taking ha}f-a-dozen artillerymen,; walked down the street

verandah, and another man within a yard and a-half of him fired a couple more, all being at the police. No shooting was done in reply by the police, who at length succeeded in clearing the streets, and at • 9.30 Colonel Knox reported to him that all was quiet.

SEAMEN WILL LEAVE WORK IF FREE LABOR IS EMPLOYED. The meeting of seamen called for noon to-day was attended by some 545 persons. Four resolutions we're carried unanimously, the most important declaring that'the seamen would come out if any attempt is nfade to work cargo or coal anywhere with free labor. Confidence ' was also expressed in the action of the loca.l secretary (Mr W. T. Young). The meeting lasted two and a-half hours. The resolutions are as follow : j

. (l)'That this mass meeting of members of the Seamen's Union c ' ollve .V s fraternal greetings to any sympathy with the watersiders' now fighting fcjr their just rights, and resolves' that should "scab" labor' be employed at working cargo' on the Wharves or vessels or at bunkering ships, our members are to a t : 'once give'2-1 'hours' notice to leave at the finaj port of discharge, in accordance with the Shipping Act and clause 23 of t;he agreement with steamship owners, and under no circumstances are they t: work cargo or bunker coal with "scab" labor. This has been the policy, .followed by '.our secretary (Mr Yo,ung),and the Wellington executive, since the commencement; of the strike. We heartily endorse their action in the dispute.

to the crowd, and leaving his men, ap- * proached and talked with the - inen t ; gathered round and induced them 'to ■j .go awayi-; ■• !i u' : • -■■-■■ ki - - ;..',!,.: THE OFFICIAL REPORT. Commissioner- John Cullen, with Colonel Knox and several other officers of the permanent force, was on the spot during practically the whole of the disturbance, and after his return to his office he was supplied with official reports. He sam vnat his information was that; the principal rtrsualtV was on the side of law and order.' Sergeant-Major Thompson, of the permanent: artillery, was struck on tho head with a piece of rock or an iron boltj and was taken to the hospital suffering from a'severe scalp wound and a slight concussion of the brain. No one'was shot. According to tho reports sent in to - headquarters, no shots were fired by the police or permanent men, but at least a dozen shots were fired from different parts of the crowd.

(2) -It being necessary that the'men employed at the lighthouses and their wives and families be supplied with provisions, this mass meeting of members of the Seamen's Union resolves that the crew of the Government steamer Hinemoa be allowed to continue in their employment so long as the vessel is exclusively employed at such lighthouse work. Should she be employed at any other work the crew are to give 24 hours' notice to leave at their final port of discharge (Wellington). (3) That we, the members of the Wellington branch of the Seamen's Union, condemn the action of any sailors or firemen asking advice from Dunedin or Auckland when they coiikl get to best advice from the Wellington branch of the union.

Asked for an official version of the disturbance, Commissioner Cullen said that it arose from an attempt on the part of the police to disperse the crowd, whicH for some time "had been congregated in the vicinity. Continual complaints had been received that the crowd was blocking the roadway, and that a section of the people had been using the most abusive and insulting language. The insults were directed not only at the permanent artillerymen, who were guarding the* approaches to the Garrison Hall, and Barracks, but at passersby, who were forced 4;o run the gauntlet of jeers and cries of "Scab!" and similar opprobrious remarks. This was suffered in silence for a considerable time, but the authorities determined that the street must be cleared.

(4) That the members of the Wellington branch of the Sailors' and Firemen's Union ignores and will not tolerate Dunedin or Auckland representatives demanding the resignation of Mr W. T. Young, either as president of the United Federation of Labor or secretary of the Seamen's Union ; but this branch has every confidence in him as president of the United Federation of Labor, and also as secretary of the Wellington branch of the Seamen's Union, and hope and trust he will hold both positions .to the bitter end.

The crowd then had possession of the road, and would not move on. About* seven o'clock a detachment of the regular police, who were mounted, tried to get the crowd to move on, but without success. Men in the crowd began to .interfere with the constables' horses by catching hold "of the bridles and throwing things in the animals' faces. Stones and other missiles began to fly. Tt was about this time that Sergeant-Major Thompson was struck down. Ho was not with the police, who were endeavoring to disperse the crowd, but was standing on Buckle Street with the permanent artillery guard. -The missile, whatever it was, hit him on the head, and ho fell.

MAILS ON THE MAPOURIKA. The Mapourika got away in place of the Wahirie for Lyttelton, with mails and a large number of passengers. There was only a scratch stoke- ! hold crew, gathered with difficulty, i and the boat did not get away till nine o'clock. She is expected to reach Lyttelton at 1 p.m.' to-morrow. The Arahura was the onlv arrival'today. ' ' TROUBLE ON THE HINEMOA. Following the Mapourika's difficulties the Hinemoa was the next ves-j sel to be held up. The vessel was obliged to moor at the Queen's Wharf for the night instead of returning to her berth at the Wool Wharf. THE MARINE ENGINEERS. According to a telegram received by) Mr T. W. Wallace, secretary of the Xew Zealand branch of the Institute: of Marine Engineers, the Lytetltonj Times this morning stated that the

Failing to get the people to move, tlie police warned them that the hose would be turned upon them. This hat! no effect.whatever, but very soon the crowd became more angrily demonstrative, and stones flew freely. Thereupon the hose was brought into operation. At first the water was played on the" roadway, but the crowd took practically no notice, and at length the hose fell upon it. This caused the assembly to fall hack somewhat.

Shots were fired by someone among the crowd. "Then," said Commissioner Cnllen, "wo thought it was time to take strong measures to clear the streets. A small detachment of mounted police and special constables was ordered out for this duty. The instructions given totthe men were that they were not to use their hands or .any implement s t but were merely

marine engineers are prepared to join the strikers. This, said Mr Wallace to a Post representative this afternoon, is quite incorrect. '-'We are not affiliated to any organisation, and are not committed in any way to the body which is responsible for the

present industrial trouble." NO MORE SPECIAL CONSTABLES. "We have at the present moment oifers from quite a thousand men, all with horses, to come to Wellington," said Police Commissioner Cullen to a reporter this afternoon, "but we cannot take any more. The oilers are from all parts of tne Wellington provincial district, and also from Taranaki and Hawke's Hay. 1 can assure you that many men have come down

without any authority from us. They have paid their own expanses and brought their own horses, and we have under the circumstances, ac cepted their services." THE UNRULY MOB. "GETTING ON TO THE PUBS." Wellington, November -I. Late last night two raids made on the Royal Tiger Hotel, Taranaki Street. It was stated among the crowd that some of the special police had been supplied with some meals there. The first onslaught occurred a couple of hours' alter the big riot in Buckle Street. A second towards midnight a crowd of several hundred raised a considerable row and rained stones through the windows. All the windows facing the street were broken. Many stones fell into the rooms, but nobody was injured. The arrival of mounted police scattered the crowd. The Wellington branch of the Social Democratic Party carried a resolution urging the Government to close all hotels during the currency of the strike.

MATTERS AGAIN QUIET

V THE MAORI LAID UP.

Matters were again quiet after last night's exciting scenes.

There was a steady stream of sightseers to the Mount Cook Barracks in the vicinity of which there is much broken glass. The hospital reports that the two men and the boy who were injured during the disturbances are progressing satisfactorily. After the Maori, from Lyttelton, had landed her passeligers, she anchored in the stream.

OFFICIAL STATEMENT REGARD-

INC THE SHOOTING.

Wellington, November 4

water side up Little Queen street. There was at once a scene oi' disorder. Some of the crowd endeavored to shield the young fellows from a number of men who were hustling them and striking them. Eventually Constables Searman a*n« Atkinson get through the crowd and out the young fellows in a taxi cab, which bore them out of reach'of their pursuers. Ore. of the young men suffered to the extent of a black eye, while the .»ther had his mouth somewhat cut. ATHREATENING INCIDENT. An incident that for a time threatened to make ugly developments occurred in Lower Queen street this afternoon. During the progress ot a mass meeting, a young fellow in a large crowd evidently said or did oaie. thing that the strikers in the vicinity resented, and at once there was a .'are up. He was pushed or knocked down and the. crowd moved in tightly. Speakers on the verandahs overhead called the strikers off and counselled orderliness, but the young man was jostled and closely followed by a dozen or so, with the public pressing in on all sides. A slow passage was worked across to the post office, and there a solitary policeman pushed through and was swept along with the following crowd to Customs street. The man was pursued as far as ShortUr.d street, and eventually took refuge up the stairway of Victoria Arcade. A constable barred the way and bent the crowd back until the young man had made his escape into the recesses of the building.

A meeting of'over one hundret business people, merchants, shopkeep ers and others was held at the Towr Hall to-day to consider the position in regard to the strike. The Mayor (Mr C. J. Pair) presided. The meet ing set up a finance'committee to collect funds, £'loo being subscribed ii the room inside three minutes as ai. instalment to meet expenses. A citi Kens' defence committee was also se up to act in co-operation with tin Mayor and police authorities in pro viding special police protection, third committee was set up to mak< arrangements to assist in providing accommodation for those who wer. coming from country districts to ac as special constables. The presi dent of the Fanrierr.' "Union was pre sent, and stated,that branches of th< oiganisation wwuld.'be ready to e';; hui dred'i of i«.cn •:. ■■ 'bey •.m-'o vaini-d By ipecul -'.so l '.-. ", tin' si" k committee nave >••••.'; n\\ v enp'inec .mt m'«rs oi ihe inn,. -t<- '•»)%• '••': Imlol :u!u restam-i-iTs.-; \< ■>■'- > .'Komiim jaiioii i* provided !'ai . f \\j*\ -pecia p-.'jeo o '.•ec laborers.

In the course of an official statement by the Strike Committee, an assurance is given that the Waterside Workers were absolutely not responsible , for any .interference .with the 'mounted specials last night. The secretary, Mr, Farland,. visited the scene, and went into the crowd and found out who'were' throwing missiles. They were not members of the union, and with assistance the pickets ran them out of the crowd. He also asked the crowd to go quietly home, as the Union's battle could be fought by reason; and did Hot require brick-bats and broken bottles.

. ..fHi-medJa. nesj>.;r(Atu; :>hf: - ■i* it iioj fu< mers take*sides jig.-Ki'.i- % tie u"iji-cr i!l4 ! !l6 J p"re.-:e)it* i - l t.vkej i hey will t|.*.-i t'i t)t■ custom" 1 soi :mo Kirn.i-- i"o operative Miik Suooiy ,A ••• e J t'on and wil|i. .'•> ;U ••: t.t>i- vmi.fi: to adopt the sa.ne '••m:. >.»"

BLAMINC THE DRINK. Members of the committee state 1 confidently that the shots were fired by drink-mad "specials," and that £4O worth of liquor was sold in two hours that morning. Union pickets were stationed outside hotels in the vicinity to restrain watersiders entering. One man who assisted an injured lad states that the shot entered the boy's coat from above.

At a mass meeting of the Union to-day, a resolution was carried expressing sympathy with those injured. It was decided to write to them stating that the Watersiders were not responsible for the injuries. . A PROGRESS REPORT. During the meeting delegates to the conference with the employers reported progress. The only official statement in this connection is that the men are determined to remain solid, believing that their claims are just, and that the fight was one between the public and shipowners.

The Union has instructed its members to keep away from the vicinity of the barracks, and urges that the mounted specials be removed without delay, or the public may take action such as afterwards would be regretted by tho citizens.

AT AUCKLAND. ON THE WATERFRONT. Auckland, November -'5. There was no change in the pqsitio' on the waterfront this morning, total of seventeen vessels are now ii the stream. No attempt, meantime has been made to work any cargo oi the new arrivals and shipping opera tions on the wharf are totally siis pended.

Several of the coastal steamers continued their usual running, but carried passengers and mails only. Scows reaching port with timber, shingle and other material are allowed to proceed with discharging without, interruption. A SMALL RIOT. At the conclusion of the mass meeting held at the waterside office in Quay street yesterday afternoon., a motion was put that the meeting of about 1500 people was in sympathy with the strike. When the negative was called, two young men pur up their hands, and one was immediately struck from behind by a man who appeared to personally assoemto himself with the strike, while other men of a like sort raised a chorus of "boohooing." bearing they had unwittingly fallen into trouble, the young men on hearing the cry of "Duck (hem in the harbor," made away from t'ho

Information •as ii >en. i«"i'i>i> ' I; Mi Canhara, .>res..l"nt of ti,o Wa e side Union, that the following reso lution "was passed on Friday night 1); the : .Auckland -JBriekiayers': Union ''Tna't ffhe mempcrs; ox Bricklayers' in view of the developments in b, connection with tin watersfidp workers' dispute, refusi to hauclle material brought to jobs o; handled" by 'scab' labor.'.' AN IDLE PORT. / ,''.;' Thirteen large almost tin whole of the Northern Steamship Company's extensive coastal- fleet, a barque, an auxiliary schooner, and ai Island ketch are lying idle at ancho; in the harbor.

I The whole waterfront presents a j most dismal appearance. The on!\ } vessels occupying berths are the war \ ship Pyfamus and the Italian ship Loch Carve. The auxiliary schooner Kaeo left her berth at the Albert Wharf yesterday morning and joined the ever-increasing list in. the stream. The vessels of the Northern Company's fleet at anchor are the Ngapulri, Manaia, Waikatere, Aupouri, Nga--1 tiawa, Waiotahi, Apanui, Waimari, Taniwhai, Chelmsford, Daphne, Tasman, Xamori, Pa.eroa, Rotomahana, Gael, Kawan and Katiki. The Maheno brought about 700 tons of cargo from, Sydney, including about 200 cases of pines, oranges and mandarins. No attempt was made to handle the cargo. Several carriers' carts deposited passengers' luggage .at the vessel's side during the afternoon, and it was speedily stowed below. The fruit was stacked on the vessel's afterdeck, and. unless used on the return voyage will probably Ik dumped overboard. The Maheno left for Sydney shortly before (> p.m. It has now been decided by tin Union Company to dispatch the Tofua, for' Tonga, Samoa, Fiji ;U ul Sydney at noon to-morrow as scheduled. MEN UP AGAINST FREE LABOR. THE EXHIBITION THREATENED. The general laborers' meeting last night passed a resolution pledging the members to refuse to work with free labol The mooting of tTie Seamen's Union was disorderly, and the official meeting was adjourned owing ( () the refusal of several members to retire when requested by the chairman. I niter, these having left the room, a large number remained, and carried a resolution calling upon (he executive to resign, and declining to work vessels using labor. The Exhibition workers met the speakers and expressed sympathy with the strike, but postponed any decision fill Tuesday. THREE HUNDRED "SPECIALS." FREE LABOR AVAILABLE.

Auckland, November 1. Three hundred special constable;

paraded at the police station this morning. On dismissal they were instructed to report themselves at 7.30 to-night. Hundreds more men

are being sworn in to-day. Sergeant Kiely expressed satisfaction at the physique and general alertness of the special police.

The Harbor Board and many business firms have submitted their em-

ployees in mass for service. It is estimated by the Superintendent of Police that nearly one hundred special constables are available in the city. There is considerable activity among the permanent force at the Barracks. If necessary, they will turn out a strong body of men, including police constables who have come in. from the country.

SPECIALS FOR AUCKLAND.

WARL] KB PREPARATIONS

Hamilton, November 4

Hamilton was kept awake all last night by the clatter of horses as troops of mounted men from outlying districts, numbering altogether 7(H), assembled during the night, and with their horses were billeted at the horse bazaar building, which is 350 feet long. It was considered that this was not a sufficiently strong number to move to Auckland, and it was decided to wait till 1000 were assembled in full force. The parades through town this morning and the drill at the show grounds had all appearances of preparing for an extensive military campaign. An appeal is being made for 300 infantry, preferably trained, to guard the Waikato camp in Auckland, while the mounted men turn out. THE MERCHANT SERVICE GUILD NOT SYMPATHETIC WITH STRIKE. Auckland, November 4. Sixteen members of the Merchant Service Guild now in Auckland met to-day and repudiated Captain Watson's letter. They strongly resented such an incorrect statement of the Guild's attitude. They would not be parties to a strike in sympathy with the Federation of Labor or any other labor organisation. They were prepared to work with free labor . AT LYTTELTOM.

THE WHARVES DESERTED. ';■)}" The fourth day of the Lytetlton strike opened with almost a deserted po3"t, : the only vessels :aiti tile wharf being the ferry steamer Maori, the collier Canopus, * ithe timber-laden Opouri, and three small schooners. Out in the stream were the colliers ivini and Kaitangata. In response to a telegram sent to him to-day from the Maori. Mr Belcher, secretary of the Seamen's Union at Dunedin, has again wired ■ulvising them to hold fast to their ship, and it is stated authoritatively that the men have no intention of givng notice. It is also stated that when the Wahine's men ..grave iu their no-

tices here they were influenced by a bogus telegram purporting to come from Wellington, to the effect that the crew of the Maori had given notice. ASHBURTON'S RESPONSE. Ashburton, November 3. To-day 60 men were enrolled in Ashburton as free laborers or special constables. It is understood that from 200 to 300 men have offered their services. OAMARU JOINS FEDERATION. NO WORK AT THE PORT.

Oamaru, November 4

The local watersidors decided not to work any boat until the strike is settled. They are understood to have informed the local agents that they will offer no objection to boats being loaded with free labor, but it is not likely that such action will be resorted to on any account, as there is a possibility of such cargo being held up elsewhere. Consequently no boats are sailing from here in the meantime. The meeting decided to affiliate with the Federation of Labor. AT DUNEOJN. U.S.S. CO.'S OFFICERS LOYAL. Dunedin, November 3. A number of captains and officers of the Union- Company's steamers now laid up in port, called as a deputation at the Daily Times office to-night to

oxpress resentment 1 at certain statements made by Captain Watson, secretary of the Merchants' Service Guild, contained in a Press Association telegram from Wellington. The deputation said that they wished to contradict the statements contained in the wire, and that at the j.resent time the officers were receiving full pay and board allowance. Fvoti if they were "If full pay, said the officers, there was no question of them coming out in sympathy v.ilh the Federation of Labour. They continued that even if l'l'f'P labour is brought in (o work vessels, they fully intend to carry out their duty. The following wire was sent to .Mr Watson: Cannot agree with resolution passed as reported on Dunedin paper, and no not understand your attitude in sympathising with the Federation of Labor, nor are we prepared to come out. Taviuni, Cor inna, Maitai, Ivamona." Duneuin November 4.

morning and repudiated the published statement by Captain Watson at Wellington representing the Merchants' Service Guild. They wished to assure the Company of their loyalty by stating that if they had any grievance this was not the time to ventilate them. A GLOOMY OUTLOOK. The Union Company has ordered the Waitomo to return to Dunedin, and on arrival she will be laid up indefinitely. The Moeraki will lie laid up here on arrival to-morrow from Melbourne. No other vessels are likely to arrive for some days, and the outlook is gloomy. CONFERENCE SUGGESTED. A meeting of the Dunedin branch of the Australasian Federated Seamen's Union wasMield this evening to discuss certain complications which have arisen as a result of the strike in Wellington, and the seamen in connection therewith. There were considerably over 100 members present. The meeting .which was not open to the Press, carried the following resolution : —"That representatives oi the Auckland, Wellington and Dunejdin meet at Dunedin or elsewhere to discuss the question ias to relations of the seamen to l the United Federation of Labor, and (also whether it is desirable that an ! officer of the Seamen's Union should

retain a rather peculiar position as an important official of the United Federation of Labor while the organisation he is secretary of is not a part of that body."

SALVAGING THE TYRONE. Despite the strike and rumours or violence, the men comprising the salvage party in connection with the wrecked steamer Tyrone have proceeded with their task. A section of the men on strike at the wharves have taken umbrage, and it is reported that strong hints have been given to the part to desist. The men retorted that they were co-partners in the salvage operations, the inference being that they were not working as watersiders but as a sort of partnership and primarily in their own interests. As so much depends upon speed and the continuance of favourable weather, and as no serious principle seems to be involved, it is not likely that any heed will be paid to the invitation to forego further operations till the strike is settled.

AT MOTURO.I.

SEAMEN AND FIREMEN STRf!Ct

A deputation representing tho masters and mates of tlie Union Company's vessels now in poi't waited on the Company's local manager this

The, free laborers started work" or the Kittawa, which brought f 4 OQ. toms of coal for this 'ptjrt; {-at'ViO l 'lp.nl. yesterday., There were about 22 of them, including several men from Bell Block. Some of the Kittawa's sailors worked the winches. Goodprogross was made with the discharging of the coal until about 5 p.m. About 1.30 the sailors received telegraphed instructions 'f roni their union not to work with, /'"scab" labor, \ and at -o p.m. thev slopped work. The seamen and freemen intimated to the master of the vessel-flint they would do m> ! more work than was necessarf for th<I ship's safety while free laborers were | employed,- and they also gave" notice that they would leave the ship at the | final port of discharge, Wanganui.. | Officers of the sh,j> worked the winI eh f f V om |fe "'dock to seven o'clock, ! when;.work ceased for the night Dis 'barging will be resumed at Sam to-day, w;itl| i: freo laborers. The Hir|jor Boards cranes will be brought mto use in-getting out the coal. The vessel ls expected to leave to-morrow Conversing with a member of the shin's '''--last night, a Daily Xews reporter learned that ( the men, as a „. JloJe are not in favour of the strike but they will not work with "scab" fabor - f ney were surprised to find, on arrivi -,g that there was such a turmoil I m the Dominion.

I STRIKERS GIVE NO TROUBLE. COAL-DISCHARGING PROCEEDING. Xew Plymouth, November 4 rhe discharging of the Kittawa's ™al is proceeding steadily to-dav with f ™ labor. The .hip's engines are dpm« the stoking. Tlie strikers are giving no trouble. outside opinion; "GENERAL INTERESTS PARAMOUNT." j (Received 9.15 a.m.) ; Sydney, November 4.

I The Sydney Morning Herald, referring to the momentous issues involved in) the Wellington conference, says that though they are not comparable in relation to the issue at stake with similar conferences in other countries, it is of vital importance to the British self-governing Dominions in the Southern Seas. The paper is glad that the meeting was brought about by the joint efforts of .Mr Massev an'd Sir Joseph Ward, and also that a further object lesson j s afforded both to the men and employers that in this instance the general interests to the community is paramount and above sectional differences.

"DIRECT ACTION."

ITS LXFLFENOE TX WELLINGTON

(Received 11.50 a.m.) Sydney, November 4

Several of the more militant type of Sydney unionists acquainted with affairs in connection with the New Zealand strike declare that the developments are largely the result of the union policy of direct action. The advice given to the men bv certain

union officials there was largely the outcome of reading direct acticmist literature. STRIKE JOTTINCS, * Speaking to an "Age" representative a Ma'sterton resident stated that the present watersiders' strike reminded him very forcibly of an incident in the maritime strike in 1890. He

was standing on a street footpath in Lyttelton with the late Mr Joyce, then a prominent labor politician. Mr Joyce, who had been approached by a number of strikers, asked. "What do you men really want?" "I'm it 1 know," replied one of the leaders, "but we'll get it. whatever it is!" A striker met trouble very unexpectedly in Wellington on Friday. A farmer was commenting on the rise in the prices of commodities, and said that he would bring men down from the country to end the strike. "What!" said a man standing by, "then you're a scab!" "Say that again," said the farmer, "and I'll knock you Hat." "Scab!" called th** man. A flash of the farmer's arm, and the man was prostrate on the ground. , At a meeting of the board of directors of ttie Eltham Dairy Factory a resolution was passed strongly condemning the strike, and five of the line directors (including the chairman) volunteered their services at Wellington. The Taranaki contingent of special constables which left Eltham at 10 i.m. yesterday had a long trip to Wellington, not arriving until 3.30 a.m. to-dag—tlie total time for the journey being thus in the vicinity of seventeen hours. A private message from Mr Y. Crawshaw received in Stratford to-day recorded the time of the con-

tingent's arrival. Before the Eltham contingent of special constables (including ten from Stratford) left for Wellington yesterday, officers were popularly elected as follows: First in command, Mr H. D. Forsyth; second, Mr Bailey; third, Mr V. Crawshaw.

A Press Association telegram from Foxton states that a number of men engaged at Rose's flaxmill refused to work yesterday because" a young fel-low-employee had volunteered for special police work. When the young fellow turned up to work, the others knocked off, and now refuse to turn to until he is dismissed. Two of the employees informed Mr Rose that the Union .was behind them. About 15 men are affected. The mill is idle. The matter has been reported to the Union.

One of the waterside workers at Moturoa On Saturday found- that his -•redit had been stopped by a business nan. He thereupon waited upon him u i d (asked him what he meant by recusing "supplies." According to the Newsl the -business man replied : "You' expect *me to keep you going when you refuse to work. If you think T am going to supnort you and the likes of you in your little game or' holding things up generally causing ■oss and inconvenience to every one, vou are making a mighty big mistake. r f they have any sense, business |>eoole throughout gfch«e i Dominion, would absolutely close down «n iihe-likes of '■on. Good-dav!" ,'*•