THE WAIHI STRIKE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXXIII, Issue 16034, 14 September 1912, Page 11

THE WAIHI STRIKE.

COURT PROCEEDINGS. CHARGES OF FOLLOV^Q-UP. [Per Press Association.] WAIHI, September 13. The strike cases were continued today. Tho evidence for the defence was a denial of any intention to annoy or molqst the drivers. The defendants in all cases contended that they merely walked with the crowd who followed the drivers, and that their purpose was to endeavour to talk to them, educate them, and convert them to the principles of tho Federation of Labour. Tho evidence for the defence to-day was merely a repetition of til at given yesterday. , Mr Clendon for tho defence asked the Bench to give judgment before the other cases were approached. . Tho Magistrate, in giving his decisions, said: “ First of all and apart from individuals I would like to. make somo general remarks. The burning question, of course, was the strike and whether tho strike was right or wrong, drivers or unionists right or wrong. These questions havo nothing to do with the Magistrate. All that lie is concerned about is to see that neither section, engine-drivers or unionists, commit a breach of the peace or do anything that would lead to such. These men aro charged with following engine-drivers in nn offensive manner for tho purpose of provocation. I havo to look to all tho circumstances, and we have ample evidence that a man was followed about by crowds,many using objectionable words. They were treading so closely on his heels as to bo within an ace of committing an assault. Tho manner in which they followed him reduced him to the verge of nervous prostration. Ido not say they were otherwise a riotous or disorderly crowd.” The polico had stated that the crowds w r ere orderly and peaceful to them, though obviously hostile to Sheard and tho Magistrate said: “I must also pay my tribute to the general good conduct of the miners. From my own observations beforo and since tho strike their conduct is exceptionally good. Tho police said tho crowd otherwise was orderly. I must also pay a tribute to tho general good conduct of tho miners. The president, Mr Parry, gavo liis evidence very straightforwardly. Ho also said that tho Union did not encourage these tactics. The men acted on their own initiative, thus showing that the officers of the Union had lost control. All the ingredients of offence aro proved. lam satisfied that an offensive act has been committed. In my opinion unless something is done those acts will be repeated.” Three men Harman, Gaynor and Lennon were on a different footing. They showed that they were not on the scene at the hours stated by the police. Regarding the others lie was satisfied that tho polico had proved their case and all that was asked was that these men should enter into a peace bond not to repeat their conduct. He was satisfied that there had been a shocking amount of hung and no one could have sat in Court without knowing this. Fourteen of tho defendants were ordered to enter into a personal bond of £lO with another surety for £lO to keop the poaco for twolvo months. 'The Magistrate stated that he was willing to accept tho surety of any member of tho Union not implicated in the cases to go bond for his mate. Other cases were adjourned till tomorrow.

At counsel’s request tbo Magistrate agreed to defer tho finding of sureties till tho morning.. A big mass meeting of the Union is being held to-night.