THE RECENT BLACKBALL STRIKE.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 233, 25 June 1908, Page 8

THE RECENT BLACKBALL STRIKE.

A QUESTION OF JURISDICTION. • (BY TELEGRAPH—PRESS ' ASSOCIATION j ■ Christchurch, June 24. At a Banco sitting of the Supreme Court this morning before Mr. Justice Dennis toil, a motion for certiorari and prohibition by the Blackball Miners' Union • (Air. Wright) was called for hearing. ' , Mr/Russell, who appeared for the respondent (the Crown)j said in answer to a question by his Honour, that he believed tho only question which would be" raised . would be:as to whether the' Arbitration Court was within its jurisdiction in regard to the fining arid issuing of djstress warrants against members'of the Union. 'He 'did not' think tha,t the correctness or. incorrectness' of' Mr. Justice Sim's decision would have to'be considered.. His Honour asked why the case was not taken direct to the' Court of Appeal.' Mr. Russell said it was suggested that the case was not of sufficient, importance' to go to tho Court of Appeal. ' • His Honour said' that it would be unfortunate if tlio timo of this Court was wasted on tho matter/ and the case eventually wont to the Court of Appeal, as it probably would. Mir. Wright said'that the Union: was ; quito prepared to go direct to tho Court of Appeal.; His Honour: You want an opinion which will bo rcceivcd with public confidence. 'Supposing I disagress with Mr. Justice Sim, that will be a case,merely of two judges disI agreeing.'' ' , ' ~; . •.• '• Mr., Russell said that personally he would prefer tfie matter to go to tho. Court of Appeal. fie would' consult his' principals in the matter.

The matter was allowed to stand over till 2 p.m. At the afternoon sitting, Mr. Wright said it had been agreed by' the parties to take the case direct to the Court of Appeal. Mr. Wright applied for a rule nisi staying the proceedings from date. Mr. Russell gave an assurance that there was no present intention of selling the disgoods. His Honour said in that case a decree would be unnecessary..