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Newspaper
Ashburton Guardian
Location
Ashburton, Canterbury, New Zealand
Date
Dec 13, 1913
Page
5
The Addington camp ends today and mounted specials return home leaving about 250 foot specials at Lyttelton. Colonel Richardson says recalled troops could assemble in Christchurch within two hours if needed and praises the men’s discipline amid the strike turmoil.
A conference of delegates from unions affiliated to the Federation of Labour met in Wellington this morning and adjourned for the day. Officials declined to reveal actions or plans. The ship Maunganui departed at six o'clock this evening from Wellington for Sydney with a large number of passengers.
A mass meeting of Petone Railway Workshops employees unanimously resolves to press Employers Defence Committee to accept arbitration under Sir Joshua Williams. They warn refusal would be seen as an attempt to wreck the union and the dispute.
Wellington reports coal supply near exhausted after weeks of limited retail coal. Retailers have sold only small lots and now cannot supply any. Yards are bare and households relying on wood fuel for heating.
Wellington December 12 A meeting of the Arbitration Watersiders Union adopted with light amendment an agreement with the employers similar to the prior terms under which the old watersiders worked. During the noon hour Neilson a union member was seriously injured when a bale fell striking him. one leg was badly lacerated.
December 13 noted a slack shipping day with only five vessels taking transhipments Kefton Napier Gisborne Patna Lyttelton Nikau Nelson Orari Patea Blenheim Blenheim. About 1200 men were engaged as New Zealand Shipping Company workers moved steady discharging and loading. Arbitration Union members continued signing on while a few strikers returned.
Wellington reports the federation of Pinto Conference adjourned with no statement given. A mass public open air meeting is announced for tomorrow, as officials promise further details later.
In Auckland on December 12 the Conciliation Court heard a case regarding hotel workers and union representation. Further details emerge as proceedings proceed between employers and the union involved.
The dispute over hotel workers sees the Licensed Victuallers backing an agreement with the old union while alleging employees belong to a newly formed union. The new union protests, but the Arbitration Court adds it as a party after the commissioner records the protest and invites further action. The Licensed Victuallers refuse to retract their agreement, and the case is referred directly to the Arbitration Court.
About 230 men are at work on the wharves in Dunedin. The Kaipara steamer, due next Friday, will run from Port Chalmers after steps to open that port. Free labour began at Port Chalmers to clear flax and cargo, sheds prepared for wool, foreman reports 100 percent ahead, more men needed, activity to be restored.
Reports from Dunedin indicate sea borne coal shipments are running very low with supplies dwindling as of 0.59 a.m. Degen notes a continued shortage affecting the city energy stocks and local readiness.
A crowded Victoria Theatre tonight debated opening the port amid disorderly conduct and striker presence. The Mayor’s motion, supporting an Arbitration Union, was carried despite dissent and nonvoting attendees. Strike leaders later spoke openly against the mayor’s decision. About 70 applications were received to form the Arbitration Union, 37 from Watersiders.
The Arbitration Union had urged early joining this morning, and 40 joined today, with 12 yesterday and five prior supporters, reducing the outliers to a small band of extremists.
Addington camp was dismissed this morning and nearly all Ashburton County specials returned home. A few proceeded to Lyttelton in case their services were needed there. One or two Ashburtonians are willing to help work boats to Sydney if necessary.
Laborers refuse to unload Union Company vessels not trading to New Zealand while ships like The Manuka sail for Auckland and The Thumata prepares timber cargo from Hokianga. Seamen and coal trimmers balk at loading toward New Zealand amid calls for government action to restore NSW–NZ shipping facilities. The Employers' Federation urges prompt government steps as tensions persist.
In London on December 12 Mr Bonar Law said settlement chances were smaller today than when Mr Asquith spoke at Ladybank. Unionists see Leeds speech as closing the door and would consider any government proposal if it benefits or harms no party. A private exchange between party leaders in the last two days is too nebulous to forecast.
The Daily Telegraph notes that disestablishment will be taken up before Home Rule in the upcoming session.
The Exarch Joseph arrives in Sofia in December, greeted by the King and ministers who kiss his hand. He will reside in the Holy Synod palace, a symbolic removal from Constantinople that marks the end of Turkish rule in the Balkan Peninsula.
In Sydney on December 12 Labour captures the Macquarrie seat increasing its total to eight with Liberal holding six and independents holding seven after the second ballots.
Port Said dispatch reports the Indrabarah grounded in the Suez Canal on December 12 and must discharge to refloat. Traffic is abstracted. The note is from the Per Press Association Copyright.
In Capetown December 12 1911 twenty four thousand Indians have resumed work in Natal and Zululand while seven hundred eighty one remain on strike.
A renewed spirit of cheerfulness and confidence sweeps Dublin as the port is reopened and quays resume busy traffic. Many transport workers begin returning to work, and there is doubt that Larkin can regain his former influence.
London December deputation spokesman Stuart told Hon Herbert Samuel the Postal Employees fear government action. Samuel’s threat to withhold reinstatements was seen as risking starvation if defeated. Even Murphy of Dublin would reinstate workers on terms. National Joint Committee members meet Tuesday to review Samuel’s reply.
A Dublin drayman named Lewis fired a revolver to deter a feared striker mob and critically wounded Mr. Haliwey, vice chairman of the Dublin Deck Board, as he was passing by.
Mr Latt spoke to the Peace Society on the Monroe Doctrine urging care to avoid imposing American ideas on other governments. He cited Mexico and warned against costly interventions while backing President Wilson's peace policy and asserting U S influence should not seek new territory. He urged Latin American nations to realize the United States seeks no expansion and that current Latin American disputes should not force war.
December 12 bulletin reports Sir Lionel Phillips injured by a bullet piercing his lung and liver. Nissum used a five chamber revolver and fired four shots. A letter found in Nissum’s pocket urged the Press to intervene. Phillips’s secretary says Nissum brought a letter of introduction and was aided by Phillips. Nissum opened a store at Bentji’s mine and traded with locals at Ferrier’s Deep Mine until warned to desist and arrested for trespass.
The State Department reports British and German residents of Tampico have taken refuge aboard British and German vessels as Constitutionalists press a heavy assault on the city. No American refugees are reported available.
A London dated dispatch cites a Mexican correspondent describing Venustiano Huerta as of pure Indian descent, proud of it, highly capable yet cunning. The report says he is a heavy drinker, drinks raw eye with claret or brandy for breakfast, aged 69 with a powerful frame, and rules through fear by summoning ministers at all hours and dismissing those who argue.
A group of rebels entered the British Vice-Consulate and forcibly arrested Las Terrayas, son of a wealthy landowner, placing him in gaol as the Vice-Consul was absent. The American Consul requested leave to charter four steamers.
Vera Cruz December 12 reports the rebel attack on Tampico has failed.
Berlin December 12 Budget Committee left final decision to Reichstag on the San Francisco Exposition subsidy. Delbruck urged rejection citing apathy of German firms and weak trade outlook. Government announced it will not participate citing insufficient time to prepare and earthquake risks in transit.
In Washington on December 12, the national prohibition debate drew loud cheers as Hobson urged adopting a resolution to enshrine prohibition in the Constitution. He attacked Senator Underwood amid a personal rivalry while spectators shouted and the chairman appealed for order. The session adjourned.
Report of a revolver battle in New York as two rival gangs clashed near Madison Square Garden. A gang commandeered a street car and fired on another gang shielded on a street corner. Passengers hid as bullets rang out. police arrived and combatants fled in waiting automobiles with no injuries.
London reports a well-dressed woman found rope bound in a sack in a Liverpool canal. Indications point to a premeditated murder. Christina Bradford identified as the victim, sister to a noted businessman. A young employee of the brother’s firm is detained as investigation continues.
Miss Bradfield, 35 and manageress of her mother's tarpaulin works, was killed with a club as she prepared to leave. Police arrested one suspect while George Hunter remains in doubt. Her umbrella was found with the body and a hand cart, sack, and two iron bars tied to the crime scene. A large sum of money is missing.
Eighty two settlers aboard the Orsova are unable to reach New Zealand awaiting the Maunganui two weeks hence. Some have employment in the Dominion while others seek passage aboard the Manuka but that ship is full.
At the Melbourne trial of George Thompson and Abney, charged with shooting two miners with intent to kill or harm, the jury returned a not guilty verdict. The case stemmed from a clash between unionists and non unionists at the Deep Lead Mine where shots were fired and two non unionists took refuge at the shaft bottom.
The Cape Chinadh arrived from Wellington but faced a labor refusal from wharf workers who declined to handle the cargo, delaying loading and shipment. The incident echoes ongoing labor tensions impacting port operations.
In December two hundred miners gathered at Vancouver to condemn the imprisonment of strikers. An agitator warned that any Cabinet minister including Sir Richard McBride entering the woods for sport would be shot on sight and urged vigilance over morning coffee.
The article reports outrage over third degree methods used in a baby farming case in Melbourne. A woman who died by suicide amid arrest faced 12 hours of cross examination while her father endured 14 hours. Chief Secretary Prendergast seeks to identify responsible parties for introducing the American system.
Herr Eraberger of the Centre Party urged abolition of duels in the Reichstag. He described an Berlin institution hiring so called men of honour, which leads wives to infidelity and provides grounds for duels. He said police and the Public Prosecutor were aware of it.
Sydney report notes the Canada Cape moored in the stream and indicates unionists are involved as government intervention is expected. Details remain unclear as of December 13 with no change in stance.
The Presbyterian Assembly set up a committee to prepare a deliverance on industrial unrest and report. Members include Dr Gibb Rev Messrs W J Comrie 4 Aitken Dr Erwin Messrs W H Ross J G Aitken W Gow with the Assembly adjourning until Monday.
Walter Dawson a 24 year old draper's clerk is charged with embezzling several small sums. His employer alleges the total involved reached £15000 casting a wide financial dispute in Melbourne dated December 13.
The officers of H.M.S. New Zealand have been presented with a silver salver by Vancouver branch of the Navy League. London underwriters pay £57,000 to cover rewards tied to the discovery of the "Lost pearls" mystery.
A bomb dispatched by express exploded at a New York factory, killing a young worker named Armette and injuring several others. The sender remains unknown.
December 13 in Christchurch the Mayfield murderer Biddle was hanged at Lyttelton Gaol at 8 o clock. He appeared weak and was supported to the scaffold by two warders. Officials and representatives attended. Biddle proclaimed his faith, and the hangman completed the execution swiftly with instantaneous death.
London courts hear evidence that 90 percent of the citys 7000 public houses are tied and sell beer at a 5 percent discount while free houses gain a 20 percent reduction.
A fragmentary report notes a speaker from the Fabian Society praising socialism's spread with the British Empire. He cites Australia and New Zealand as examples where socialist ideas have advanced within the new civilization and promise significant evolution.
Bank in Madrid suspends payments amid financial strain. Hispano American Bank shows paid up capital of £1,500,000 and current accounts totaling £4,000,000. The institution is heavily involved in Mexican investments.
The Navy Department appeals to any ships likely to be sailing in the Southern Pacific to succor eight American sailors marooned on Easter Island after McAbandonment reports. The call seeks swift rescue amid perilous conditions and ongoing diplomatic tensions.
Washington December 12 officials of the National Investigation Department assert there is little ground for believing a cold storage trust exists. Yet investigations show many large cities may be involved in related schemes.
In Wellington the House notes December progress on smallpox with no new cases since November 4. Rhodes flags 1884 outbreaks: 130 Europeans and 42 natives infected and deaths recorded. Government praised for restrictions and Native cooperation. Dr Rangihiroa cited for aid as Health Dept actions during the epidemic are discussed. Monopoly Bill read.
At New Brighton, women’s bracelet event won by WildeC Roth bury 2 with Rudstone third. McKinney Texas Espinel take Innovation Handicap by five lengths in 3.51. Emmeline defeats Lovelock in trotting Halloween match by 12 lengths in 2 minutes 17 seconds.
Ottawa dispatch reports Royal North West Mounted Police notes rumors Stefansson's party was marooned by the crew amid dissensions and complaints about food. The expedition leader Stefansson reportedly had to land, leaving other members in charge.
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