THE WAIHI STRIKE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 284, 28 May 1912, Page 5

THE WAIHI STRIKE.

UNSYMPATHETIC UNIONISTS. By Telegraph—Press Association. Thames, Yesterday. Delegates from the Strike Committee of the Waihi Miners' Union addressed an open-air meeting at Thames on Saturday night and ox-plained their action re the strike, and sought to justify the same, though the local miners are registered under the Arbitration Act and are opposed to the adoption of the strike method.

The speakers admitted that the Waihi strike had been called because of the formation of the Engine-drivers' Union and the secession of its members fronj the Waihi Miners' Union. They contended tlw i. this was the third attempt to break up the Federation of Labor, but all the previous efforts had failed, as this would fail. The Waihi men were fighting for an important principle. They were opposed to coming under the Arbitration Act, and this was a covert attempt to undermine the power and influence the union.

One speaker asked the Thames miners to support their comrades. The reply was: "You'll get our support when you get rid of the Socialistic element." At the conclusion of the delegates' speeches some local miners.spoke against strikes. The meeting concluded with "Rule Britannia." THE FEDERATION OF LABOR. Wellington, Yesterday. The executive of the Federation of Labor issued a manifesto to-day in reference to the Waihi strike. It says that the position is that an attempt is being made to strike a blow at the integrity and solidarity of Labor, and quotes the case of Reefton, where the men were locked-out because they would not drive a rock drill single-handed. It appeals for funds and announced a levy of 10 per cent, of the net wages of members, to assist those out of work. PAEROA RESUMING. Auckland, Last Night. The Herald's correspondent, at Paero.v states that the Paeroa Extraction Com pany has obtained men to fill the phw j»f those who went on strike a few days ago, and work is to be continued ;u----usual.