AT AUCKLAND.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVII, Issue 62, 13 November 1913, Page 5

AT AUCKLAND.

“A DOUBLE-EDGED TOOL.” Auckland, November I'2. The strike is expected to collapse of its own weight. Already hundreds ol men who came out blindly at the Federation’s call are anxious to return to work, and the murmuring against the leaders has already commenced. It may be expected soon to develop into a roar of anger. Already hundreds of good jobs left on the spur ot the moment have been filled by other men, and the previous holders will tintthat the strike is a double-edged tool. The situation may be summed up in Auckland in a few words. The were led blindly. They were confident of a great victory, because it had been all arranged soon after the big Waibi strike, and victory was certain. In one night the whole of their castles in the air were demolished. They were outwitted and ont-generalled, and the visions of victory disappeared. Today the reaction lias sot in, and the gloom of defeat is on their faces. The end is near. Their great card, the last in the pack, a strike of seamen, is no hotter than the strike of waitresses, for there are enough men in the ranks of the “specials” alone who have served as sailors and can take the places of striking soamen to work a good coastal service, and there arc scores of similar men in the country. Sir Joseph Ward’s Position. A resolution was passed.unanimously as follows“ This meeting of citizens deprecates the suggestions and attitude of Sir .Joseph Ward, and believes that however good his intentions may be (ho 011 1 v effect of the. attitude be

took up in the House last night '>■!! bo'to embarrass the Government in its difficult and responsible task of restoring order and authority, and will indirectly support the pretensions of the Federation of Labor.” Energetic Specials.

Complaints have been made by strikers as to the conduct of some special constables, and the matter has been laid before Superintendent Keily. who has undertaken to give it Ids attention. The Central Strike Committee at Auckland has sent the following to Sir Joseph Ward:—

•‘Sir, —1 desire to draw your niton- 1 tion to the following facts regarding the behaviour of special police stationed in this city. It was understood wlit'ii these specials were introduced ; here that it was done for the protection i of life and property and to supply j free labor. They have now, however, taken up a role, and arc to he seen walking about in twos and threes ; swinging largo batons and adopting other inciting tactics, such as jostling pedestrians, whether connected with the strike or otherwise. Evi- | dently this is done with a view of causing resentment so that a breach ot the peace may eventuate.” Other allegations are here made, and the letter concludes: “Now, sir, what the committee ask is that specials he confined to their duties on the respective wharves, or else be utilised as escorts for vehicles; hut that they he not allowed the freedom of this city and suburbs to indulge in behaviour they have already been guilty of. The committee trust you will ventilate this matter from the floor of the House.” General. The following resolution was passed at a meeting of the Strike Executive to-day ;—“To the various unions of Auckland: The Central Executive requests the various unions to seriously consider the following recommendation, namely, that in the event ot the present industrial strife not being settled by midnight on Thursday, November 13, all unions take the necessary steps to cancel their registration under the Arbitration and Concilia- i tion Act.” Sympathisers with the strikers have been using threats towards women in the country districts. It is alleged that most of the complaints have come from Cambridge.'Captain Seddon, who lives in that district, left the Domain camp for home yesterday, with instructions to investigate the complaints, and, if found advisable, to organise a force of mounted men to protect the homes of farmers who are doing duty in Auckland. The farmers are resolved to give a sharp lesson to any'men who may he found insulting or intimidating women. RETURNING TO WORK. Auckland, November 13. Work is proceeding on the waterfront again this morning. Seventy men returned to work on the Exhibition buildings and Wonderland. The largest carting firms state that a good number of men returned to work to-day.