THE AUCKLAND POSITION.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXV, Issue 10713, 13 November 1913, Page 5

THE AUCKLAND POSITION.

WORK PROCEEDING SMOOTHLY,

POLICY OF PASSIVE RESIST, ANCE.

THOMAS BARKER ARRESTED

AUCKLAND, Last Night. There is little change to record to-day in regard to the general strike. Hopes were entertained yesterday by the Defence Committee that a settlement was in sight. The commencement of work upon the wharves, loading and unloading of steamers, and the transportation of good to and from the waterfront was taken to indicate that the strike was collapsing. It was declared that this morning would witness a return to work of many who had "downed tools" on Satnrday when temporarily infected with the "strike fever."

Out of six thousand meti on strike, however, very few have asked for reemployment. In the case of one fii~n employing 150 carters, there were six applicants for work this morning. In the Wonderland Park at the Exhibition there are a few repentants. Several of the restaurants have reopened, but most of the members of the Hotel and Restaurant Employees' Union are still out on strike.

The leaders proifess to' be not at all dismayed with the turn events have taken. They express themselves as quite satisfied. They assert that the new Waterside Workers' Union consists mainly of farmers who cannot, remain indefinitely on the waterfront; that the carters are nearly nil volunteers and include special police, travellers for merchant houses, and others who cannot be expected to remain at work for an indefinite period. The strikers say they are content to remain at home, and away from the waterfront, and pursue their policy of passive resistance. One strike leader declared this morning that they would be in a position to carry on the strike ever Christmas. By that timo they expected their opponents to realise that there is no use loading ships which will -not be discharged at other ports. "If it is a waiting game, we must win," said the strike leader in question, "for the seamen are with its, the Australian ancT London dockers are with us. It is our game to play a waiting game, and wo are content to do it."

Meantime, work along tho waterfront proceeds smoothly. To-day, eighteen boats were worked at tho Yvlmrves.

Last night the Aupouri left for Whangaroa and northern ports, and thirteen coastal boats are scheduled to leave to-day. The trouble in regard to the seamen is being overcome by the employment of volunteers and "specials'" as deck hands, .while in some cases the seamen who signed off have returned. It is impossible to say, so far, how many seamen have actually returned to work.

Carting is also in progre-ss, and ap-pears-to be quite ample for the present requirements. Following the arrests at Wellington, Thomas Barker, organiser for the Auckland branch of the I.W.W. Society, was airested here this morning on a charge of using seditious words at Wellington.