POSITION IN NEW PLYMOUTH

Taranaki Daily News, 30 April 1920, Page 5

POSITION IN NEW PLYMOUTH

I A DAY OF UNCERTAINTY. STRIKE TROUBLES MULTIPLY. There was a distinctly peculiar atmo3pliere about New Plymouth yesterday. The uncertainty as to what aspect matters connected with the strike might take at almost any moment, and the absence of any definite information as to the movements of the Prince of Wales, and whether he would really have to abandon the visit to Taranaki, created a condition of affairs in which no one knew just exactly whether to proceed with arrangements for his reception or to assume that at any rate for the time being the visit was "off." Gradually this latter view became the predominant opinion, and all work in connection with street decoration and the erection of arches, etc., was suspended. The effect of the partial decorations gave the town a kind of "half-dressed" appearance, which was not without its ludicrous aspect. When people had made up their minds to accept the inevitable, a few shopkeepers put signs in their windows announcing that they would close "as usual" at noon, and this course was followed, and the town ceased business as oft an ordinary Thursday. During the morning it could plainly be seen that there were more people about than usual, and although there was nothing of a "panicky" nature, the provision dealers stated they had been kept going busily all the time. Everybody wanted sugar. but though the Rarawa's cargo was being discharged the goods were not available in time for retailers yesterday. It is stated, however, that supplies in limited quantities will be purchasable to-day. In the afternoon there were still unmistakable evidences of the "uncertainty" of things. Quite a large number of people arrived in town from country districts, and for a Thursday the streets were unusually busy. Comment on matters generally showed that -while most people are willing to concede that the men who have gone out on strike are entitled to a fair deal from the Government, and that their pay and' conditions need adjustment, the majority of people show strong resentment of the action taken at the time the Prince of Wales is in the midst of his tour of the North Island. Prominent business men have stated that if the men had given the authorities to understand that they would see the Royal tour to its conclusion before adopting extreme measures, they would have received a lnrge measure of public support which has now been alienated from their cause. In response to a general request that everything should be left in a secure position, the New Plymouth members of the railway staff arranged to have all perishable goods shunted from the yards [into the goods shed, so that those to whom it was consigned could take delivery of it. The unloading of sugar and fruit from the Rarawa proceeded i;i an orderly way yesterday, but although the merchant's secured the service of every vehicle thai wns available, the process was slow and operations were continued to within a short time of the vessel's sailing. The effect of the strike on the commercial community remains unchanged— Taranaki storekeepers must rely on improvised motor services to obtain supplies of merchandise from New Plymouth. An important announcement was made yesterday by the Prices Investigation Tribunal, prohibiting the increase in the prices of commodities above those ruling on the 26th inst., without the consent of the Board of Trade. There were persistent rumors yesterday that the strike was likely to spread to the Post and Telegraph officials, and reports were current that they intended to stop work at midday. This, however, proved quite a groundless story. THE MEN DEFENDED. MR. S. G. SMITH'S ATTITUDE. RECORD OF WAR SERVICE. At the gathering held last night to celebrate the purchase by New Plymouth workers of the Good Templar Hall, Mr. S. G. Smith, M.P., who was one of the speakers, opened his remarks with "a few words in regard to, and in defence of my old comrades, the railway men." (Applausi.). He then proceeded to say that he would prove on whose shoulders the responsibility for the present position rested. Mr. Smith dealt with the charge of disloyalty alleged again.,t the men, in combatting which he said the railway men had contributed more men to the New Zealand Expeditionary Force than any other section of the community, and there were more of their members'killed than of any other body of people in the Dominion. He then gave a list of war decorations awarded to railway men for bravery on the field of battle totalling 115, among which were -1:1 men of the loco, section. (Applause.) That, he said, disposed'of the charge of disloyalty. He regretted that what had happened in the last day or two might deprive the children of the pleasure they were looking forward to of seeing the Prince of Wales. The men's action, however, had been precipitated by the management of the railways in refusing to meet and consider the grievances of ttie men. What was wanted, and what he hoped would come out of the present crisis, was a change in the management of the railways. He then reminded his 'fold mates," and all those who sympathised with them, that the War Regulations were still in force, and counselled them not to rush into the business or be led into any "traps" by making remarks which might, tend towards sedition. He said Mr. Massey might settle the whole trouble. He referred to the settlement of the miners' strike by giving thenrpraeticnlly all they asked for, but strongly criticised the action of the Premier in at the same time giving the mine owners the right to increase the price of coal beyond the amount necessary to make up for the increase in wages paid to miners. While strikes were settled on those lines, they could only lead to other strikes in the near future. The conclusion of this portion of Mr. Smith's remarks was greeted with hearty applause.