RIOTING CHARGES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21252, 4 August 1932, Page 12

RIOTING CHARGES

RETRIAL OF FOUR MEN TOWN HALL INCIDENTS RETOLD HEARING NOT COMPLETED The story of ilio rioting that look place near the Town Hall on the night of April 14 was told again in the Supremo Court yesterday, when four men concerning whom a jury had disagreed at the criminal sessions last May, again appeared for trial. The accused were Oswald Bonrbeau, aged 51, Canada, waterside worker; William John Budd, aged 35, England, seaman; John William McCorkindalo, aged 37, New Zealand, miner; and Albert William Searlcs, aged 26, England, seaman. The two charges against each man were of taking part with James Henry Edwards and others in a riot and of tak-

ing part in an unlawful assembly. Buckl, Bourbeau and McCorkindale wero dofended by one counsel and Searles by another. The trial was conducted by Mr. Justice Ilerdman. In the selection of a jury 58 names were called. Counsel for the accused exhausted their rights by challenging 24 and the Crown Prosecutor stood aside 22. In outlining the case for the prosecution, tho Crown Prosecutor said that never before in tho history of the Dominion had there been such ari outbreak of mob violence. Numerous Crown witnesses then described the riot on tho lines of evidence given in similar cases.

Constablo H. A. Wilson said tliat on the morning of April 14 tho accused Bourboau had told him tho police would be well advised to slop vehicles from interrupting unemployed processions, as otherwise there might bo a riot. Bourbeau also said ho sympathised with witness, because when tho fight really started the police would find tho unemployed as well armed as the police. Evidence that Bourbeau had thrown a stick at him was given by Constable A. J. Johnston. Bourbeau was in front of tho crowd urging them on. Inspector J. W. Hollis said ho had seen Searles in the riot with a picket urging tho crowd to coino on. Evidence that he had been struck by a picket thrown by Searles was given by Constable li. J. Belcher. Witness chased Searles, who was caught and held by Constablo Rattray. This was coiToborated by other constables. Constablo H. A. Wilson, recalled, described seeing Budd in front of a rush at the Town Hall with something in his hand that appeared to bo a weapon. Evidence that McCorkindal© was concerned in window smashing was given.

Counsel for Searles elected to call evidence, but counsel for the other three called none. Searles' counsel emphasised that his client was not in any way associated with the other three accused on the night of tho riot. The accused said ho went to the Town Hall to hear Mr. J. A. Lee, M.F., having arranged to meet his wife outside at 9 o'clock. lie left the hall ahd was looking for his wife when he saw a baton coining at him. He caught it and grappled with a policeman, with the result that both fell, lie was arrested. The hearing was adjourned until this morning. '