WATERFRONT JEALOUSY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15558, 16 March 1914, Page 8

WATERFRONT JEALOUSY

ATTACK ON A WORKER.

MAN SEVERELY HANDLED.

HIS ASSAILANT ESCAPES,

Though lie had been very roughly handled, a waterside worker named Nicholas Saunders, who resides in Stanley Street, refused to give any information to the police on Friday evening regarding an assault of which he was the victim. He was again interviewed on Saturday, and particulars were then obtained of a cowardly attack made upon him by a man who has been refused admission to the Watcrsiders' Union.

The incident was another illustration of the ill-feeling which has persisted to a certain degree since the waterfront strike. According to the story told by Saunders, who is about 40 years old, he was walking about the wharves on Thursday in the company of the president of the union. Next morning he met his assailant in Queen Street, and the latter charged him with giving information to the union president regarding the employment of non-unionists on the wharves. The suggestion was resented by Saunders with some heat, and he struck its author on the face with his open hand. The latter responded with an invitation to adjourn to a side street

and fight, but as he had the support of half-a-dozen companions, Saunders declined, and went to his work on King's Wharf.

Shortly after five o'clock. Saunders walked off the wharf, and had just parted from some other workmen when a man, who Saunders believes was the one with whom he had the encounter in the morning, came up behind him and struck him a severe blow 'on the head with a piece of iron. Saunders fell partially stunned, and his assailant then kicked him severely on the head and face, causing a further scalp wound and cutting his lips. A carter ran to his assistance, but 'he other man ran off and eluded the pursuit in the railway yards. Saunders had his injuries dressed by a chemist .and though he was at work on Saturday, he was not in a fit condition for heavy exercise. A doctor who made an examination gave his opinion that Saunders's life had been in real danger from the severity of the attack.