THE WAIHI STRIKE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 295, 10 June 1912, Page 5

THE WAIHI STRIKE.

A SPLIT LV THE CAMP. SETTLEMBNT~NOT IN SIGHT. By T«i*graph—Preai A*w«ati»n. „,, Waihi, Last Night. The effects of the strike, which has now had a run of four weeks, are marked in every branch of local trade with the exception of the billiard saloons. The general demeanor of the strikers leaves little to complain about. Notwithstanding their enforced idleness they show no inclination to make any outward demonstration. Yet it is generally believed that a section of the idlers are discontented, and are out of sympathy with the Federation of Labor. Considerable interest was aroused in the town on Saturday afternoon by a report through the Press Association that W. E. Parry had resigned the vice-presidency of the Federation of Labor. The news gave additional zest to the meeting of miners to be held that evening, at which it had been announced that Mr. H. C. Webb (president of the Federation of Labor), Mr. Parry (vice-president) and Mr. P. Fraser (president of the General Laborers' Union) were to speak. However, it transpired that there was no truth in the report that Mr. Parry had resigned. On Saturday evening a mass meeting was held.

Mr. Parry opened the proceedings, and was straightway questioned as to what the Federation had done regarding the Auckland General Laborers' dispute. The question was greeted with applause. Mr. Parry expressed surprise at such a question "at that stage of the game," stating that Mr. Fnser would probably deal with the question. Mr. Parry, proceeding, urged the strikers to stand solid and have conlidence in the Federation, no matter what present appearances were. The reason for a sectional strike, the speaker said, was that the Federation had decided on a section-il fight instead of calling out the affiliated unions, because the adoption of this course would enable the organisers to stump the country and explain the cause of me strike and collect funds to provide for the workers involved, pendiiw a settlement. Regarding the opposition to the Engine-drivers' Union and its registration under the Arbitration Act, the speaker referred to the steps taken by the Federation to prevent registration. The executive had waited on the Minister for Labor, and he had pointed out that the granting of the application would place minorities in a position to dictate \ . majorities, explaining that . a handfui of members of the Waihi Miners' Union could withdraw and start another union. In reply the Minister said that there was no other course open than that of granting the application. Mr. Parry, before concluding, gave an emphatic denial to the report circulated that he had resigned his office as vicepresident of the Labor Federation. He was pleased to note that a conference had been arranged between the Federation and the Mine-owners' Association. This indicated, the speaker said, that the mine-owners had withdrawn from the conditions suggested by the clauses insisting that members of the Waihi Miners' Union must guarantee to work amicably with the engine-drivers and settle the dispute between the two unions before the owners would be prepared to discuss matters with the Federation delegates.

Mr. Webb, in 'his address, made a strong appeal to the men to stand firm if occasion demanded. He would stake his reputation on the Federation, and was honest enough to admit that if he thought an organisation was likely to suffer defeat in its fight for the welfare of the workers he would be the first to abandon tie Federation. The Waihi men must trust the executive.

Mr. Fraser, the last speaker, replying to a question as to what the Federation had done in connection with the Auckland General Laborers' dispute, said that he was not prepared to say whether the Federation had acted wisely or otherwise in the matter, but he believed that things would right themselves. He had implicit faith in the organisation. Interjections followed his reiterated request for the Waihi men to stand solid. A general discussion ensued, during which a member took exception to the moneys so far received being treated as a distress fund, and to the system of distribution. He contended that the money should be dealt with as strike pay, and members should be able to claim it aa their right. The suggestion was received with applause. A motion was put, to the effect: ''That this union endorses the action of the Federation of Labor."

An amendment, or direct negative, followed: "That no endorsement of the action of the Federation should be given pending a settlement of the strike." Mr. Parry asked the mover of the amendment to withdraw it, adding: "Do not let us have to appeal to you to withdraw the amendment, as in the event of your being compelled to do so it would go forth that the union has lost confidence in the Federation."

Subsequently the motion was withdrawn, and the motion was also withdrawn, some members of the committee pointing out that while not desirous of voting against it, they could not endorse the whole action of the Federation.

It was said by those in touch with the feeling of the men that had the motion been submitted it would have been defeated.

FRATERNAL HELP. Whangarei, Saturday. At a general meeting of the Kiripaki (Miners' Union it was resolved: That the workers of this union are in full sympathy with the Waihi miners. The union is satisfied that the fight at Waihi is between organised employers and organised workers. Further, this union has every confidence in the Federation of Labor, and agrees to a 10 per cent, levy on all weekly earnings. Palmerston North, Last Night.

There was a fair attendance at a meeting of the Flax-mill Workers' Union here on Saturday, Mr. Dalhousie presiding, to consider a levy of 10 per cent, for the Waihi and Reefton strikers. Considerable difference of opinion was expressed, and there was a tendency to regard the Federation of Labor as forgetting that there were others than miners in it. The levy had already*been made by the Federation on all affiliated bodies without reference to them, but a considerable number at the meeting had little sympathy with the Waihi strike, but were more disposed towards the Reefton strikers' cause. As no decision could be come to at the meeting re the levy, it was decided to take a ballot of the union members on the subject. A CONFERENCE ARRANGED. Wellington, Last Night. Another step has been taken towards bringing about a conference between the employers and employed in connection with the dispute at Waihi. The Goldmine Owners' Association, through its secretary (Mr. W. M. Pryor), has agreed to meet the representatives of the Federation of Labor at Waihi on Saturday next, at 2 p.m., under the conditions stated in the letters of the mineownere' secretary of May 28 and June 5, and hi terms of the Federation's letter of iMay 1. Mr. Pry or asked to be informed by the Federation at its earliest conveni-

ence if the date proposed would be «uit« able for the Federation's representatives. Mr. Glover, secretary of the Federation, promises to putthe date before hia executive by telegram.