THE WAIHI TROUBLE.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIV, Issue 17, 12 September 1912, Page 6

THE WAIHI TROUBLE.

MARKED MEN. (Per Press Association.) Wuihi, September 11. In the strike cases to-day, evidence for the prosecution showed that the systematic following Up of Enginedriver Siieard caused him serums annoyance. Counsel for defendants contended that no breach of tbe_ peace had occurred, and that with the exception of two men, Zenovotch and Kemp, who it was alleged had behaved threateningly, the strikers were quiet and orderly; also, that defendants were not more prominent in the affair than the general crowd. The Magistrate said that the question was, What- was the object of the foliowing-up practices ? Counsel said that ho supposed this was to show that these men arpjmarked men. In most cases this attitude was adopted in conciliation in order to convert them to their side. ' The Magistrate said; “Is that tinway to conciliate a man—to follow him up, call him a scab, and threaten to smash him up?” Proceeding, lie said that it soothed marvellous to him bow men who were subjected to such treatment had kept their self control. The further hearing was adjourned till to-morrow morning. The Commissioner of Police lias given it out that it was obvious that tin most critical stage of the strike bad boon reached, and it was clearly understood that the police would remain at -Waihi till the end of the strike: also, that the police will protect every man washing to work, irrespective ol whether lie is an arbitrationist or a fedorationist. Further, that the Government is determined to maintain law and order.