CHINESE INTERPRETERS ON STRIKE

New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 6178, 9 April 1907, Page 5

CHINESE INTERPRETERS ON STRIKE

BLACKLEG’S LIFE THREATENED. A “strike” of Chinese interpreters some weeks ago caused considerable delay in the trial of Chinamen charged with the sale of. pak-a-poo tickets. When the cases came again before Dr McArthur yesterday, a further development occurred. A Chinaman, in a state of great agitation and fear, rushed forward, and asked to be excused from acting as interpreter in the cases. “Two Europeans,” he said, “came to my shop in Taranaki street, and said to me, ‘By Jove, if you go and interpret in this case you will get killed in the dark.' I said, “Who will kill me?’ and they said ‘Chinamen.’ I said, ‘No, it might be Europeans.’ Then they surrounded mo, and I became very frightened. I suppose, sir,” lie concluded appealingly, “you can finish this case without an interpreter. I havo got a summons, or I would not be here." Air IVilford (accused’s counsel) protested against the Chinaman interpreting at all, on the ground that he had been twice convicted.. Chief-Detective McGrath said the police had no knowledge of such convictions. Air IVilford: He has changed his name twice. He has called himself Young Kit, and Alung Horn, and now he is knoivn to this Court as John Bright. (Laughter.) The interpreter admitted that he had used different names, but said it was “all same.” Some Chinamen had threatened that ■if he interpreted in this case they would find some opium and throw it into his place, and then put the police upon him. ■ Oliicf-Detectivc McGrath pointed out that Air IVilford had his own interpreter. His Worship told the interpreter that the police would take every care that nobody molested him, and tho Court would make it warm for anybody who attempted to do so. Tho oath was then administered, and tho case proceeded with.