A SPECIAL'S LETTER

Te Puke Times, Volume II, Issue II, 18 November 1913, Page 3

A SPECIAL'S LETTER

. FROM THE FRONT. We are in receipt of the following letter, from a local resident who is acting as a special constable at Auckland Domain Camp, Saturday, November 15. Dear Sir,—l thought perhaps you would like to know how we are getting on with this strike business. you will find a few edifying statements of strike matters and a leaflet set-

ting out the virtues of the special constables, of whom over 80 per cent are farmers. These prints are a fair specimen of dozens of others, and the Federation feeds the strikers on lies and bluff. I believe it was laughable to see the strike pickets scatter like rats on Saturday morning at about 4.30, when a regiment from the canip of about 500 took possession of the wharves. They left the camp at a hand gallop and did not draw rein till they were right on the wharves. The Te Puke portion of our squadron is having a fair share of the work. To-day was supposed to be an off day with us, but at 10 a.m. we were hurriedly called to go to the city and clear the streets. This was at Newmarket, where the strikers had posted pickets and were stopping all traffic. As soon as we got in sight most of them got away. That apparently is to be the sys-

tem under which they will carry on. The strikers are very anxious

to get a settlement with the farmer, and we are continually being asked by individual strikers for a conference. One fellow came up to- and I this morning when we were in the ranks, and almost implored us to see our officers and come to a settlement. It was most amusing at first when we travelled from camp into town, to see the different receptions we got along the route. Nearly all cheer ,us and wave handkerchiefs, and a few look sullen, but daren't even say

".scab " because our instructions are to fell them or arrest them for any insult. We are being well treated by the Auckland people, who cannot do enough for us. All the men are in good

health, and it is rare to hear any grumbling. The authorities have decided to-day that not a man must leave camp unless somebody arrives to take his place. They., have decided to keep the camp up to its full strength till the strike is absolutely stamped

out. In conclusion, I would like to say that we, the Te Puke troop, all appreciate the manner in which Major Bennett looks after us. In my opinion, he is as good'an officer as we have, if not the best, He probably puts in more work than any man on the ground, and is a good organiser. -I am, etc., Te Puke Special. COPY OF LEAFLET. TO THE I WORKERS OF AUCKLAND AND SUBURBS.

An invasion of our city by a mob of irresponsible, misled, armed bullies, who are boastirg openly of their intention to n n riot, using all the various weapons with which they have been armed at the instigation of the employers, is ab)ut to take place. As a protest, we call upon all the workers of Auckland, organised or unorganised, male and female, to cease work immediately on the introduction of these ruffians to our wharves, thus emulating the lead given by tramwaymen, carters, exhibition workers, seamen, and general laborers, and acting in accordance with the spirit of the en-gine-drivers, bricklayers, sheetmetal workers, . grocers, and many other kindred organisations.

Not desiring violence or bloodshed, we consider with thousands of workers in Auckland and suburbs, that this will be the most effective means of coping with ruffianism, tyranny, and legalised brutality of every kind.