THE WORKERS OF WAIHI.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 3670, 4 November 1912, Page 2

THE WORKERS OF WAIHI.

TROUBLE AT WAIKINO. NEW UNIONISTS IN FORCE. £BY TELEGEA.PII—SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT! WAIHI, Nov. 3. „ An occurrence which plainly do monstrates the fact that the tide in strike affairs in regard to workers and non-workers has turned in real earnest took place at Waikino on Friday afternoon in the Union. It further indicates that the workers are now increasing in numbers —so'rapidly that the aggressive tactics of nonworkers, which have been in evidence so long, are to be met with at least some show of retaliation.

The central figures of the affair were Messrs Webb (president of the Federation of Lnlior), Semple (organiser), and Kennedy (president pro. torn of the Waihi Miners’ Union).

It appears that the trio visited Waikino on 'Friday afternoon, leaving Waihi by the 3 p.m. train and that some sort of a meeting was held at that place with the strike pickets who are billeted there. The party, together with 30 pickets, proceeded'to- the railway station, at about '4.40 p.m., being evidently under the impression that the train would leave earlier than it did. ■ln the meantime news of the visitation of-the Federation Ist chiefs and their whereabouts had reached the ears of free workers, who had just come down from the Waihi mine by the Company’s brake, and they decided to pay an impromptu visit to Mr Semple and his colleagues and give them “a piece of their mind,” or in other words turn the tables just by way of a change. ; There were about 50 workers on the brake and these were joined by 30 others, making a- total of about SO. On arrival at the railway station the workers commenced to “talk to Mr Semple” and ironically asked- him for an address. This he refused, stating that he woiild not address “things” and would have none of them. The workers' then proceeded to upbraid the organiser of the Federation, alleging that lie was not showing much courage now .that he was. practically “on his own,” and that it was all very well to talk and 'abuse others when he had three and four hundred behind him, to say nothing about women. This sort of recrimination flew thick and fast. The station master, probably anticipating trouble, ordered the workers off the platform. They went away, hut returned a few minutes before" the train left and commenced to open fire again at Mr Semple who this time sought sanctuary in a railway carriage. The workers, however, kept up their fire through the window. Cheers were given by the workers for the police and the new Union and groans for the Federation. The whole affair lasted only about 10 minutes.

Mr "VVebb and the strike pickets looked on, but said nothing. It is stated that Mr Kennedy, took the number *of several police who were present and protested that the latter should have taken some action. There was no booing, neither was .Mr Semple chased, as was currently reported.

It is further said that the workers showed more deference to Mr Semple and his party than they have, received from the Federation followers during the past few weeks. Two assaults by women were recorded on Friday. A worker, on entering his gate after coming off shift, was struck on the face by one of the militant band with a yellow switch broom. The mar. did not retaliate. Another worker had a bottle of tea which he was carrying in liis pocket smashed bv a woman.

Some of the workers are on the verge of nervous breakdown owing to the continued annoyance by women, who- appear to have a free hand in these matters and as a result ox such leniency appear to be getting" bolder as time, goes on. A mass meeting of strikers was held yesterday, about 200 being present. Addresses were delivered by Messrs Semple and Webb. The latter said that they were going to win and that their one watchword was “victory.” If beaten it would be by their own class. In his opinion the men the Company now had in its employ were more a. hindrance than anything else. The mineowners had played all their cards. He advised the men under no consideration to get into conflict with the' police, who were armed to the teeth and anxious for a riot. In his opinion, the police were the cause of the trouble with Mr Semple on the previous' day at Waikino. The president closed with the usual reference to the Premier, the press and the police. Mr Semple, who- looked pale and haggard, spoke next. ITe devoted very little time to the main issue and reiterated the statement that the Federation was going to win, even if they were out for the''next six or 12months and had no intention of admitting defeat; at the present juncture.

The main portion of the organiser's address was simply abuse. He intimated that he was not going to call “.scab” because the organisation could not afford to part with him. Yet. he added, that he would be torn to pieces or lynched before he would seek police protection.