THE TROUBLE AT WAIHI.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIV, Issue 45, 16 October 1912, Page 5

THE TROUBLE AT WAIHI.

BEFORE THE COURT. HAT PINS AND ROAD METAL. (Per Press Association.) Waihi, October 15. The cross-examination by Mr. !'. Cotter. K.C., only concluded at tne six o'clock adjournment. Questioned as to tho nature of the rally she intended to give Delaney, the witness said that she meant to "Boo" him and give him a rally similar to that given him on the previous Saturday evening. To the Magistrate: She now thought it was lawful to give Delaney a rally. Referring to the term "scab," witness now thought it a proper expression to be used to people in the public streets deserving of the epithet. The Magistrate: Well, then, let mo tell you that it is not only an improper expression to use in the streets, but also unlawful.

Under further cross-examination complainant said that if the same sot of circumstances arose she would be justified in repeating her conduct to Delaney. She could not remember, any reason for going closer to Delanov after lie kicked her the first time. Delaney had no reason for kicking her. Sue did not draw the hatpin with the deliberate intention of injuring Delaney. She drew it to defend herself. She had not used the hatpin because «omo boys got between them, and sh< could not get near enough to Delaney, so she threw it into the hedge. She afterwards picked up road metal and had it ready to throw when Delaney caught her by the shoulders, pressing his thumbs into her throat, and prevented her from throwing it. Delaney rushed her, saying: "lil kill 3011." She did not know his children were near at tho time. She did not ash Gundy Neil to assist. Tho latter separated them.

Bernico Heath, examined, detailed the circumstances in connection with tho Delaney incident. She corroborated complainant's evidence in regard to Delaney provoking them, remarking, "Well, boys, I could have taken a shorter cut*- but have como this way to amuse the 'push'." Witness and hei companion retaliated by calling out "Scab!" and this led incidentally to the assault.. Witness had used the term to make Delaney feel his position. After Delaney had kicked complainant/the latter-picked up a stone and threw', it: at hiinl: Delaney then ran after her and seized nor by the shoulders.. At this stage a man ran inland separated the couple. Cross-examined by. Mr. Cotter: How long have you been "scab-hunting?" , Witness: i Since the; ;demqnstration starred,.., ;i j, , : < \* ; . it = i I•• ;• Replying to further questions, witness' said itbab Delaney jhad my night Itojgdj'tp y 'ixptalJL fchfere ,tt/a4 an agreement, "and that everyone had a right to an opinion. Mr. Cotter: What do you call.them "scabs" for? Is it to make them feel their position high or low ? Witness: To make them feel their low position. The question and answer had evi-. dently been heard by the .crowd .outside the' Court building, as loud, applause immediately followed witness's reply. The Magistrate ordered the removal of the crowd, and the cross-examina-tion was resumed. Mr. Cotter: Do you do it with the intention of insulting and annoying ohera ? . Witness: Yes. The whole evening sitting was taken up with the cross-examination of one witness. POSITION OF TAUPIRI. Wellington, October 15. Mr. Webb, President of the Federation of Labour, speaking to a 'Post' reporter, re the position of Taupiri, said it was the most outrageous thing ■lO had ever heard of in connection .vith industrial unionism. The executive had been made victims for tho Union, and were being punished for what the Union did as a body. They merely acted according to their orders. The matter would be dealt with at once by the Federation. THE STRIKE FUND. Wellington, October 15. For the Waihi and Reefton strike funds tho Federation of Labour has now received nearly £20.000. Australia has already contributed £3282, the Waikato miners (475) £llOB, the Denniston miners (401) £1660, the Granity miners (390) £2005, the State minors at Dunollv (400) £1751, the BlackSail miners (250) £1561. New Zealand far alone has raised £16,187.