BEFORE THE COURT.

Auckland Star, Volume LVI, Issue 243, 14 October 1925, Page 7

BEFORE THE COURT.

FIFTY-EIGHT SEAMEN.

FIFTY-FIVE SENTENCED.

SIX WEEKS' IMPRISONMENT.

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.)

DUNEDIN, this day.

Fifty-eight striking seamen from the steamer Raranga appeared again in Court to-day before Mr. Bartholomew, S.M., on a charge of combining to disobey a lawful command.

The magistrate asked at the outset if the cabled news about the termination of the strike did not affect the men's position ?

Mr. Brasch (for the men) stated that, as this news was not official, the defence could not take notice of it, or alter their attitude.

The magistrate said he had hoped to be relieved of an unpleasant duty. He could not take into account the merits of the case. The men had committed an offence, and must be punished. As to their fighting for a principle, while they aimed it at someone at Home, they were hitting Xew Zealand. A sentence of biz weeks' imprisonment was imposed.

Mr. Hanlon (for the shipping companies) stated that three of the accused were j'ouths of 16, 17 and 18 years respectively.

The magistrate decided as to these that they be convicted and ordered to come up for sentence if called on, on condition that they Btayed on the ship. In view of the lack of accommodation in Dunedin gaol the six-weeks' sentence will be served at Paparua. . The Magistrate instructed that if there were any developments in the strike position before the men were sent to Paparua he should be informed.