USE OF WORD "SCAB."

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 281, 27 November 1931, Page 9

USE OF WORD "SCAB."

SOCIALIST MEETING SEQUEL.

TRADES UNION SECRETARY

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APOLOGY MADE TO COURT,

(By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent).

CHRISTGHURCH, this day,

Scenes at a Socialists' meeting, in Cathedral Square on November S were described in Court during the heaiJng of a charge against Charles Edward Baldwin, trades union secretary, of using insulting language in describing Mr. Forbes as a "political scab,' and Mi. Coates as. "a double-dyed scab." The case revolved round the use of tlie woid "scab" in a political sense, and not in its customary application. Baldwin expressed regret, and tlic ca.se "was dismissed. Detective Laugeson said there were about 250 at the meeting. Baldwin stated that the Prime Minister was one of those men who had been fortunate enough to draw part of the Mclvcnzie estate, that lie had been spoon fed all his life, and now had gone back on the people who had fed him. Mr. Forbes Was described as a "political scab," and Mr. Coates as a "double-dyed scab." .. Counsel contended that if Baldwin-had' used other words, meaning the same thing, such as "political apostate" and "ratting on the party," he would not have been charged. Expressions such as that were used in the House of Representatives. The Magistrate: The Court. is not bound by rulings of the.Speaker of the House. In some circumstances -thosei words may constitute .insulting language; James McCullough, for many - years employees' assessor .in the Arbitration Court, said Baldwin spoke on the subject - of. Customs duties. The words • complained of were irrelevant to the point of . the address; and were in. reply'.-to'an. interjection. It was Mr. Coates who was referred to as a "political scab," and Mr. Forbes as "a-double-dyed scab,"; not the other way. rounds _ :-.vy; Senior-Sergeant Fox: You know from your experience that it is a most objec-j • tionable Word. j I Witness: It is very popular in a shear-j 1 ing.sh.ed," ; ' ' 1

y The, Magistrate: And ."on the wharf; Witness added that under the circumstances it would have been better if tho words had not been' used. ,' v' The magistrate suggested that Mr. McCullough might have a short conference with Baldwin and persuade him to apologise. That would. be- the end of the matter. "I regret it, under the circumstances," said Baldwin, "and as I have a personal acquaintance, with both the gentlemen I had no intent to insult them personally."