THE WAIHI STRIKE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 125, 14 October 1912, Page 8

THE WAIHI STRIKE.

DISGRACEFUL SCENES. By Telegraph—Press Association. Waihi, Saturday. The alleged disgraceful conduct of a number of women and children at the residence of Mr. X. McWilliams, a court official, has had a serious eft'oct on the resident referred to. Mr. McWilliams, who has been suffering from influenza, has now had a serious relapse as the result of the scenes which occurred round his house, and the result, also, of the disgusting language used to 'his wife the other day. . Large crowds were engaged in screeching, intermingled with expressions of unprintable invectives. One woman threatened to burn the house.

The effect upon McWilliams was such as to necessitate calling in a doctor. The doctor appealed to the union, which said it would do what it could to suppress the annoyance, but had very little control over the women. McWilliams had to arm himself for the protection of his wife, children and property.

Two constables are now in attendance at night. No reason has been assigned for the riotous behaviour. Mrs. McWilliams is a leading vocalist of the town, and on many occasions has rendered valuable service in organising concerts in aid of the miners' benevolent fund and individual miners who had met with mishaps. It is urged that, as the police are insufficiently strong in number to cope with the eonduct of the women, a citizens force should be enrolled.

A STATEMENT CORRECTED. Waihi, Saturday. In connection with the published statement by P. Fraser that five fewer men went to work on Wednesday, and that only sixty tons of ore were sent to the battery for crushing on Wednesday, the superintendent for the Waihi Company stated that this morning the five men had returned and the battery on that account was putting on two shifts, and that "260 tons, not t!0 tons, of ore were crushed. He further stated that he is low crushing over 300 tons a day, and three shifts will be put on next week, when the tonnage per day will be increased to 400 tons.

ACTION OF TAUPIRI MINERS. Auckland, Saturday. , The directors of the Taupiri Coal Company to-day arrived at a definite course of action with regard to the action of the Huntly miners absenting themselves from work on Thursday, but as the company is a member of the Coal Mine-owners' Association, the matter has been referred to the Association for approval. The mine will not be open for work on Monday, by which time a reply will be received from the Association. Huntly is reported very quiet, the decision of the Taupiri Company being anxiously awaited.

LYTTELTOVS DEMONSTRATION. Christchure.h, Last Night. The watersiders at Lyttclton, whose union is aililiated to the Federation of Labor, held a demonstration this morning, about 150 out of 350 taking part. There was no public interest in the proceedings. The demonstrators marched to the gaol, where brief addresses were delivered. They subsequently gathered in front of the Star Agency and carried a resolution condemning the Massey Government for its unjust, unmanly and vicious treatment of the Waihi strikers, and pledged themselves to use every effort to secure the release of the imprisoned strikers. No labor was available for coaling the Harbor Board's dredge Canterbury, but the dredge hands filled the breach, and work was completed without a hitch. The Union Company's permanent staff worked the mails, luggage and cargo on board the Maori, and little inconvenience was felt. A procession was afterwards held in Christehurch. Speeches were made in Latimer Square and Victoria Square. The steamers Kaipara, Arawa and Maori discharged their cargo by permanent hands, firemen in some cases assisting. Other steamers in port were not worked.

Some of the watersiders expressed their willingness to turn to, but it was stated that this was impossible in view oi the deoision of the union.

TIMARU'S PROTEST. Timaru, Last Night. About forty watersiders walked in procession with many hundreds looking on and following to a suitable stand for speeches. Two leading members spoke for some time, condemning the Government and the pi-ess, the former for imprisoning the Waihi men, and the latter for fighting against the Federation. Other workers who had refused to take part in the demonstration were taken to task and brought a reply, and a lively discussion ensued. A petition was signed demanding the release of the Waihi men. No work was interfered with, as 110 vessel was in port.

WEST PORT ENTHUSES. Westport, Last Night. A mass meeting of miners, watersiders nn<l others, was held in Victoria Square this afternoon, and addresses were delivered by Messrs. Dow f!ray (Millerton), Richards (Waihi), Fagan (Rccfton), Seinple and others, relative to the mining disputes at Waihi and Reefton. Resolutions were carried protesting against the action of the Oovcniment, which was alleged to be assisting the mine-owners ill their' fight against the miners, and also against the gaoling of the Waihi strikers. The meeting was of a very orderly character.

SECRET BALLOT IN WELLINGTON. Wellington, Last Night. The Wellington Wharf Laborers' Union decided yesterday to take a secret ballot next Tuesday'and Wednesday as to whether next Saturday shall be observed as a full holiday for the purpose of holding a demonstration of sympathy with the imprisoned Waihi miners.