SHEARING DISPUTES.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXVI, Issue 2916, 24 March 1891, Page 2

SHEARING DISPUTES.

Til HEATS BY UNIONISTS. (BY KI.ECTRIC TKI.KCIIAI'M. — COPYItIGInA lirtisiiAxr, March 'J(>. WollU was received ill this city this afternoon that 'JOO unionists had taken possession <if Capella. a small town~hi]i near Clermont. Tir.'y compelled the publicans to supply them with free (I links, :i ft or which t hey proceeded to destroy the telegraph line to the I'etro station, and wound up by setting tiro to a large quantity of goods belonging to the Railway Department . The late.-f news l'rom the disturbed districts state that a bitdy of some eighty unionists visited Lane Station, near Blackball, and while the manager of the station was interviewing them in the woolshed the building was set on tire, and the mes obtaining a good mastery, it was soon burned to tlie ground. All the grass between Lane and Lerrick stations has been tired, and the unionists have lit several grass firo,s in the vicinity of Jiarcaldiiie. Tin! unionists, to the number of I'JOO, are drilling everyday at Barcnldiue. The Rockhampton Infantry liavo been called out on active service, and will leave at once for the scene of trouble. March 2'J. The unionists continue their threatening attitude in the country districts. Yesterday a large force surrounded a contingent of tree shearers, and the assistance of the police had to bo called into requisition. The unionists were ordered to withdraw, but refused, and the police and mounted infantry then fixed bayonets, and at tempted to disperse the mob. For some minutes it appeared imminent that the troops would be compelled to fire, but after several at - tempts to break through the ranks the shearers drew oil'. March 'J3. The unionists have declared their intention of wrecking every train carrying troops or froe shearers to the disturbed districts. The unionists accuse /the Government of showing favouritism to the pastoralistx, and state they mil do all the damage tin y can to Government property.