RELIEF WORKERS

Southland Times, Issue 22074, 22 July 1933, Page 6

RELIEF WORKERS

SEQUEL TO STRIKE CHARGES OF BESETTING SEVEN MEN IN COURT (Per United Press Association.) Wellington, July 21. Seven men alleged by the Police Court to have taken leading parts in recent attempts to induce the Wellington relief workers to go on strike were again before the Court to-day. The Chief Detective said he anticipated the defence would be that the accuseds’ actions did not amount to besetting. Some other word might fit the case, and if the evidence disclosed that some other offence had been committed he submitted that the Magistrate had power to amend the informations. Several overseers were called and it was stated that members of the procession mingled with the relief workers and called out such words as “Down with your tools,” “Come off the job.” No endeavour was made to get the men off by force. Detective-Sergeant Hall said that at Melrose the relief workers were addressed by accused Brooks who said he wanted the relief workers to join with the strikers and present a “solid front.” Another man who spoke was against the strike. He considered the strike executive had been self-elected; that they were Communists and that the constitution of the elected delegates had been thrown out. This man did not get much of a hearing. There were about 40 men on the job and only 18 voted. Fourteen were for the strike and four against. Witness noticed one man voting who was not working on the job. All the accused appeared to be taking an active part in the procession. For the defence Mr P. B. Fntzherbert submitted that there was no case to answer, the police having failed to indicate with certainty that any person had been intimidated or there had been any watching or besetting. He described the procession as a police conducted Cooks’ tour.” Both Blair and Webb addressed the Court and submitted that in striking the relief workers were not holding up an industry. Webb, while admitting the Communist Party took a leading part in the strike, denied he had organized it. Both the accused alleged the charge was a “frame up” to get them out of the way and prevent their assisting the working classes. The Magistrate stated he would take time to consider the charges. In regard to the charges against Blair, Webb, Pocock Barker and Brooks of taking part in an unlawful procession, Mr Page said he thought there had been a breach of the by-law, but not one that requires a conviction and he proposed to dismiss the information. He said he considered the actions of Blair and Barker did not amount to inciting and lawlessness and dismissed those informations also.