MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIII, Issue 136, 9 May 1933, Page 10

MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

CASES IN WELLINGTON. Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, May 8. Several cases alleged by the police to have arisen out of the present seamen’s strike came up for hearing in the Magistrate’s Court to-day, before Mr E. Page, S.M. Four charges related to assaults, and one concerned an attempt to cast adrift the tug Natone.

Patrick Joseph Ryan,’ a labourer, aged 26, pleaded guilty to a charge of assaulting Nod Peko. Sub-Inspector Martin said that the offence took place on Saturday afternoon outside a city hotel. As complainant was coming out of the premises accused struck him. Accused got away and was subsequently apprehended at another hotel further up the street. The word “scab” was used by accused. The man whom accused struck was unconscious for some time. “This and other cases have apparently arisen out of the seamen’s strike,” said Sub-Inspector Martin. There appeared to bo a certain amount of ill-feeling against those who had offered themselves as free labourers. Ryan was fined £5 and ordered to pay Court costs. He was allowed two weeks in which to find the money. Mr J. D. Willis, who appeared for Ryan, said that the case was not connected with the strike.

Spencer Leo Parsloa, a fireman, aged 33, was remanded until May 17, on charges of assaulting Robert Renkin, and attempting to cast adrift the tug Natone. Accused’ pleaded not guilty. The sub-inspector said that these offences, which also arose out of the seamen’s strike, took place on Saturday night. Apparently the accused was instrumental in casting adrift the Natone. Further inquiries had to be made. Bail in the sum of £75, with one surety of a like amount, was granted. Pleas of guilty to charges of drunkenness, but not guilty to a charge of assaulting Alfred Ernest Alexander Pickering were entered by Cyril James Sinclair, a seaman, aged 27, and Adolph Frederick Hansen, a seaman, aged 46. Both accused were remanded until Wednesday, bail in the sum of £lO, with one surety of £lO being allowed. Mr F. W. Ongley, who appeared for accused, said that according to his instructions the charge of assault did not arise out of the shipping dispute. Sub-Inspector Martin said the police were satisfied that the charge did arise out of the seamen’s strike.