Excitement at Blackball

Southland Times, Issue 12121, 29 April 1908, Page 2

Excitement at Blackball

HICKEY i.SRSSTED. TOB KOW-PATI'EUJNT OF TIXJI. GREAT DEMOWgTRATIOJT. I"«r united Press Aiitoclatlon. GREYMOUTH, April 28. The township of Blackball was thrown into a great slate of excitement this morning when Mr Hickey was arrested for non-payment of a One infiietej on him by the magistrate about the middle of February, when he was charted with disobeying the commands of the mine managor in refusing to go to work at the end of fifteen minutes' crib time. The fine and costs amounted to £1 13s. On Monday evening It was known in Blackball that the warant had been issued, and arrangements were made for a band to turn out in the morning. A little before 8 o'clock the band lined up and Hickey made his appearance. At the top end of the township lie wus hoisted shoulder high round the township. When Constable Egan served the warrant and arrested him he was greoted with cheers and cries of "Good old Hickey." The constable and Hickey mounted the coach to proceed to Ngahere to catch the train for Greymouth. Tho band also had a conveyance to take it to Ngahere to see Hickey start for gaol. As the coaches moved off the streets were lined with men, women and children, and cheor upon cheer was given. The band continued to play until Ngahere was reached. At Ngahere during a short wait for the train the hero of the hour was continually cheered, while the band played several selections. The residents of Ngahere turned out and when the train drew in the greatest excitement prevailed. As the train moved off hats were thrown in the air, cheers were given, and the hand struck up a lively tune. The train arrived in Greymouth at eleven o'clock and Hickey was taken to the police station and kept in the watch house. The intention was to convey him to Hokitika by the afternoon train where he would be placed In the gaol. This, however, was upset, for someone paid the fine and he could have his liberty. There seems a little mystery about who really did pay the fine. An Argus reporter on inquiring at the police station was told that the person had asked that his name he kept secret; but til at he was a sympathiser.