THE £100 FINES.

Manawatu Standard, Volume 9115, Issue 9115, 11 January 1910, Page 6

THE £100 FINES.

MINERS DUMBFOUNDED. At the conclusion of the trial of the thirteen members of the Miners' Delegate Board on a charge of inciting to strike, Mr Gannon, on behalf of the defendants, asked that a lighter penalty than JEIOO fine be inflicted upon each man. Mr Justice Heydon (as reported by the Sydney Daily Telegraph) said that the amount he had mentioned as the penalty was a reduced sum from that which had first suggested itself to him. He could not see his way to reduce it any further. Mr Gannon said in the circumstances he would ask for time to pay. The men had no money, and the alternative was gaol. At this stage, Mr Hanlon, one of the defendants, called out loudly, "We don't wish " There was a general " hush" from the other defendants, and the interjector subsided. Mr Blacket (who appeared for the prosecution): I am not going to oppose the granting of reasonable time. His Honor: Very well; I'll allow a month's time for the payrhent of the money. Mr Gannon : Will you take their own recognisances? His Honor: Yes. Mr Hanlon (hotly): I don't wish it. I'll go now. Mr Sneddon (another defendant): Your Honor, can I say a word? His Honor (severely): You will be very well guided by your counsel in this matter. I will allow one month's time. Mr Hanlon (angrily): I refuse it. At this there was a hubbub among the defendants, and it seemed for a moment as though there would be a disturbance. Mr Gannon: Some of them refuse the time, your Honor. His Honor: Who are they ? Mr Gannon: Hanlon, Littlefair, Pease, Sneddon and others. Mr Hanlon: We wish to go to gaol now. Mr Gannon: Who want's a month's respite ? Voices: No, no; nothing for me; I'll go to gaol now. Mr Gannon said he thought the best thing would be to consult his clients outeide. • Thereupon they all trooped out of the door. Mr Frith called out as a passing shot: "It does not matter

whether you are innocent or guilty. You might as well go to gaol now." After an interval of five minutes, MiGannon and the defendants returnedinto court, and hie Honor was informed that they would all accept the one month's respite in which to pay.'