THE WAIHI STRIKE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 127, 16 October 1912, Page 5

THE WAIHI STRIKE.

A CHARGE of assault . By Telegraph—Press Association. Waihi, Taesctay. At the Magistrate's Court this morning James Delaney, mining contractor, was charged with having assaulted Jeijie Beames. The offence was alleged to h*T« taken place when Delaney arrived in the vicinity of hi* home aiter knocking off work at the Waihi mine. Accused pleaded not guilty. Mr. Cotter appeared for Delaney, and Mr. Moresby for Beames. In opening the case Mr. Moresby said a serious assault was committed, tthough not with serioug results. The reports circulated were onesided, incorrect and untrue. On the day in question 'his client as was the custom of the strikers, went out with 'her sisters and another young lady. Complainant was anxious to see Delaney, and made her way in his direction, Delaney, after shaking hands with several youths, passed complainant and her companions. When he got a dozen yards away foe half turned round and 1 made the following remark to the boys: "I had no need to come this way. I did it just to amuse the push." His client was naturally incensed, and retaliated by calling out "Scab!" Delaney deliberately kicked backwards, and a second time kicked out with more viciousness. He also made use of a vile expression.. His client held a hatpin in her hand, but she subsequently threw the hatpin into a hedge. Jessie Beanies gave evidence supporting counsel's remarks, and stated that Delaney did not go into 'his place by the usual He had a child in his arms, and two children on either side. He used an insulting remark in a loud voioe to her. Up till then she had made rii) remark. She had one hatpin in iier hand while she was following Delaney. He kicked backwards, (striking her sk'irt. He kicked her again ferociously on the knee. She felt the effect of the kick. It made her leg stiff right away. Delaney wors miner's boots, with big nails.

AN IMPIDENT VIRAGO. HAT PINS AND ROAD METAL. The hearing of the alleged assault case occupied the time of the Court the whole The cross-examination by Mr. T, Cotter, K.C., only concluded at the six o'clock adjournment. Questioned ns to the nature of the rally she intended to give Delanev. the witness said that she meant to "Boo" him and give him a rally similar to that given him on the previou; Sn turday evening.

To the Magistrate: She now thought it<was lawful to give Delaney a rally. Referring to the term "ecab" witness now thought it a proper expression to be used, to people in x the public streets deserving of the epithet. The Magistrate: Well, then, ' t i.-e tell you that it is not only an linptcner expression to use in the streets, but also unlawful. ' Under further cross-examination complainant said that if the same set of circumstances arose she would be justified in repeating her conduct to Delaney. She could not remember any Teason for going closer to Delaney after he kicked at her the first time. Delaney had no reason for kicking her. She did not draw tihe hatpin with the deliberate intention of injuring Delaney, She drew it to defend (herself. She tod not used the hatpin because some boys, got between them and she 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 shouldere, pressing his thumbs into her throat, and prevented her from throwing it. Delaney rushed her, saying, "I'll kill you." She did not know his children weTe near at' the time. She did not ask Gundy Neil to assist. The latter separated them. Waihi, Last Night. Bernice Heath, examined, detailed the circumstances in connection with the 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 come this way to amuse the 'push'.'\ Witness and her companion retaliated by calling out ''Seal)!" and this led incidentally to the assault. Witness had used the term to make Delaney feel his position. After Delanev had kicked complainant, the latter picked up a stone and threw it at him. Delaney then ran after her and seized her by the shoulders. At this stage a mail ran in and separated the couple. Cross-examined by Mr. Cotter: How long have you been "scab-hunting"? Witness: Since the demonstration started.

Replying to further questions, witness said that Delanev had no right to go to work until there was an agreement, and that everyone had a right to an opinion.

Mr. Cotter: What do you eall 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 evidently been heard by the «:owd outside thp court building, as loud applause immediately followed witness's reply. < The Magistrate ordered the removal of the crowd, and the cross-examination was resumed.

Mr. Cotter: Do you do it with the intention of insulting and annoying them? Witness: Yes. • The whole evening sitting was taken up with the cross-examination of one witness. THE STRIKE FUND. Wellington. Last Night. For the Waihl and Reefton strike funds the Federation of Labor ihas now received nearly £20,000 Australia has already contributed £3282. the Waikato miners (475) £llOB, the Denniston miners (401) £I6OO, the Gronitv miners (360) £2005, the State miners at Dunolly (400) £1751, the Blackball miners (250) £IS6L New Zealand so' far alone has raised £l<J;4B7.