SEDITIOUS STRIKE.

North Otago Times, Volume CV, Issue 13934, 17 July 1917, Page 3

SEDITIOUS STRIKE.

EIGHT FIREMEN CONVICTED. . (Per Press Association,! WELLINGTON, July l(i. . Eight lircmen (Auscombe, Green, Hand, Matthews, Major, McLean, Sime, and' Titshall) were convicted by the Magistrate, Mr. Riddel!,' on a charge of participating in'a seditious strike, by refusing to sign on a special service collier at Wellington, The Magistrate considered that the complaints, about food and the conduct of the steward were partly supported, but the cook and the captain also were to blame. The latter because he failed to.inquire into themen's complaints, although the men's action was probably not illegal under,the Industrial Arbitration Act. The Magistrate-considered a conviction must be entered' under the ;War Regulations. Matthews, as prime mover, was fined £6, and the others £2 each. _ The Magistrate, refused- to allow expenses for the captain, as he was partly to blame, ■ , .