THE BLACKBALL STRIKE.

Press, Volume LXIV, Issue 13102, 29 April 1908, Page 7

THE BLACKBALL STRIKE.

THE ARREST OF MR HICKEY. A POPULAR DEMONSTRATION. (rBXSS ASSOCIATION- TEZJKIBAM.) GfREYMOUTH, April 28. The township of Blackball we* thrown into a great state of excitenvenfc this morning, • whoa Mr HflcKey was arrested for non-payment of » fine inflicted on him by the Magistrate about tlio middle of February, when he was charged with, disobeying the ooninuuuls of the mine manager in fusing to go to work at the end of niteeu minutes' crib time. The fine ajid costs amounted to £1 13s» . On Alonday evening it was known in Blackball that the warrant, woe issued, and arrangements were made for tho band to turn out in the morning. A little before 8 o'clock the band lined up, and Hickey made his appearance at tho top end of the township. Ho was hoisted shoulder high, and carried through the township. Whoa Constable Egan eervod the warrant and arrested him, 'he woe greeted with load cheers and cries of "Good old . Hickey." The constable and Hickey mounted the coaoh. to proceed to Ngahero to catch, tne train tor Grey mouth. 'Lao band also had a conveyance to oonrey them to Ngahero to see Hickey start fer gaol. As tho coaches moved off. "the streets were lived with men. women, and children, amd cliioer upon cheer was given. The band continued to play until Ngaihera was reached.

At iNgahero, during a short wait for tho train, the hero of the hoar was continually cheered, while the band played several seloctrions. The residents of Ngahere tamed out, and when tho train draw in, the greatest excitement nrevaileck. As tho train moved off, hate were thrown in tho air, cheers wcjto and the band struck -up , a lively tun«. Hβ train arrived m Greymoutii at eleven o'clock, aud Hickey was taken to the police station, and kept in the watchhouse. The intention was to con-vey him to Hbkitika. by the afternoon train, where he would bo placed in the gaol. This arrangement, bowerer,. was up&oti for eomeono paid the fine, and Hickey had his liberty. ■ There seems to bo a littlo mjebory abou-t who really did pay tibe fare. An, "Argus" reporter, on eaxruiricg at the police station, was told tfaat the person, bad' asked that ids nemo bo kept Kccrot, but Uuat he waa a sympathiser. '.'.,. " .■>.'■ :