THE WAIHI STRIKE CASES.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXXIIII, Issue 3626, 12 September 1912, Page 5

THE WAIHI STRIKE CASES.

PARTIALLY HEARD YESTERDAY

[PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.J WAIHI, Sept. 11. In the strike cases to-day evidence for the prosecution showed that the systematic following-up of Enginedriver Sheard was causing him serious annoyance. , , , Counsel for defendants contended that no breach of the peace had occurred and that with the exception of two men—Zenovetch and Kemp—who, it was alleged, had behaved threateningly, the strikers were quiet and orderly* Also that defendants were 'not more prominent in the affair than the general crowd. The Magistrate said the question was what was the object- of the fol-Jowing-up practices? Counsel said that lie supposed this was to show that these men are marked men. In most cases this attitude was adopted in order to convert them to their side. The Magistrate said: “Is that the way to conciliate a man— to follow him up. call him a scab and threaten to smash him up ?” Proceeding, he said that it seemed marvellous to him how the men who were subjected to such treatment had kept their self-control. The further hearing was adjoined till the morning. The Commissioner of .police has given it out' that It was obvious that the most critical stage of the strike had been reached and it could be clearly understood that the police would remain in Wnilii till the end of the strike, also that the police will protect/ every man wishing to work, irrespective of whether they are avbitrationists or federationists; furthei. that the Government is determined to maintain law and order.