TO-DAY'S PROCEEDINGS.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIII, Issue 250, 18 October 1912, Page 5

TO-DAY'S PROCEEDINGS.

STRIKE LEADER CHARGED. (By Telegrapa.—Own Otiapondent.) WAIHI, this day. In the Magistrate's Court this morning tile strike prosecutions were continued, there being 23 informations, alleging the use of insulting language. The first ease taken was' that against Chas. Smith, a prominent Socialist and member of the Miners' Union. Inspector Wright said til* 'worst feature of these cams was that the language used was intended to intimidate men from going to work, and that, notwithstanding the Magistrate's warning and ruling, the law was still being defied. On account of his position, defendant was a dangerous man. At a retfent meeting in the Union Hall, it was alleged, defendant said: "On looking through the J.P. Act the other day, 1 found that if a complainant dies, the bonds become void, and the defendant released. Of course, I don't want you to do this, but, there, that scabby beast, he has put a lot of us in gaol, and there is that scab Heydon—well, ] will not say more." The Inspector added that these were dangerous remarks. Evidence was given by Detective Powell and other witnesses, to the effect that defendant called out: "Boo! you scab!" and "Disty, crawling scabs!" Defendant alleged that the police and the witness Heath were biased against him. The latter witness said that it was not one of the objects of the new union to get strikers and prominent mem-bens of the Miners' Union into gaol. Witness severed his connection with the latter union because he had been called a "scab" on account of wearing a Government uniform (Territorial). Detective Sweeney, in evidence, said that the inference he had taken from remarks made by defendant at the meeting in regard to the Justices of the Peace Act was that he (Smith) had practically counselled people to commit manslaughter. Witness considered defendant was not a fit and proper person to be at large. Defendant, who conducted his own case, subjected the witnesses to lengthy cross-examination. ACCUSED .BOUND OVER. Smith, addressing the Court, alleged that the police were deliberately seeking to make charges against those occupying leading and prominent positions in" the strike, with, a view to breaking up the strike, and were also assarting in procuring free labour for the mining companies. The Magistrate replied that action was only taken when other people's liberty was interfered with. Defendant called no evidence. The Magistrate, giving his decision, said he wa3 sorry that strikers would not understand tEe law. They lived in a free country, and could not do anything to restrict the liberty of any man. He ordered defendant to enter into personal recognisance of £50, with one surety of £30 or two of £25, and to pay costs,-22/. The Magistrate refused ta give time, stating that on last occasion his leniency had been* taken unfair advantage of. The police would give defendant an opportunity to transact his business. Defendant was then taken into custody, and on leaving the Court was cheered by strikers assembled out?.:dc. Arthur Clrarten? (ex-mounted strike picket) was the next defendant charged, fv-rgeant Bird (who was in charc e ol the police tscort on the 2nd inst.) said that defendant addressed Smeatcu (a mining contractor): "T<w dirty scab I Sracaton! You were a scab eight years ago. Wait till the police goT" The crowd was very hostile, an<L in witneej' opimon, had not the escort been present ■Smeaton would not have got home. ' After hearing evidence, the Magistrate said he would treat this case as an tsol.-t ted instance. Defendant was discharged, on promising not to repeat the offensive conduct, though he hesitated a tew re-mutes to give a promise not to continue booing.