BUTCHERS' STRIKE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 280, 18 April 1913, Page 2

BUTCHERS' STRIKE.

COURT CASE AT WAITARA.

ALLEGED THROWING OF BEER,

At the Waitaia Police Court on Wednesday, H. Evet'slield \Mr Stead) claimed £2O from E. Frost (Mr. Roy) for insulting behaviour and assault. The action arose out of the late butcher's strike. Plaintiff deposed that defendant and an other man called him a scab, and each threw a mlig of beer in his face, saying at the .same time that they would like to kill him. Went immediately to the police station and informed Constable Lapouple. To Mr. Roy: The incident took place outside the Club Hotel. Had been staying at the Masonic, but when he went to'work at the freezing works there was 110 room for him, the proprietor saying he wanted only casual and v not permanent boarders. Also tried to get board at the Club Hotel, but it was full. Had only two beers ' that day. There were a number of people about. Had made a claim of £2O against Stinipson, but withdrew it on the latter apologising. Was willing to have treated Frost likewise, but he did not come to him.

A. 11. Loveridge deposed to having seen Stimpson throw a glass of beer in Evefsfield's face. Did not see Frost thrbv any beer, but he had a glass in his haw}, but could not say if there was anything in it. To Mr. Roy: Did not see Frost or oyer the road to the } Club Hotel. ' Had' been standing there for some fifteen minutes. Constable Lapouple gave evidence that plaintiff to him of the j offence. His Was'wet.

E. J. Frost deposed' to having been in the Club iHotel, on' tl)oi date mentioned. Had a gJass,,of ( l}e<j[V;and Stimpson had j a pewter.. Tliey drank part of the beer I and went 011 to ,the. verandah. StimpI' son threw ; )iis, lifter in plaintiff's face. Was surprised to'.see the action, and threw his bqer on tins footpath. Never spoke to plaintiff. Had been in the } hotel perhaps five jnin.utes. ~ Did not follow him from the other side of the road. ■ To ill'. Stead: Was one of the strikers. Did npt know, if, plaintiff taught learners at the works. Had no grievance against him. Hadi been with Stimpson about an hour and-.a.;h^lf.be-fore the occurrence, . Came out with the beer in his hand through curiosity to see what Stimpsoji was doing. €'. Cole deposed to having'seen..all parties concerned on the evening of the. occurrence. 'Saw Stimpson throw beer in Evcrslield's face, when the latter rushed Stimpson. Frost threw his leer on to the footpath. Stimpson was under the influence of liquor. Plaintiff was . non-suited, without costs.

The same plaintiff charged H. M. Paltridge witli a similar assault*-, which was alleged to have taken place in the Ma-' sonic Hotel, damages of £1 (I being claimed. 5 The same counsel acted! Plaintiff stated that in company with one Henry Crowe lie went into the Masonic Hotel to have a drink. Defendant, Frost and Stimpsoncame in afterwards, Paltridge calling him a scab and other offensive names. The three appeared to want to have a "go" at him. Crowed stayed perhaps seven or eight minutes. Plaintiff waijejl fjor a quarter' of ;an hour, and when leaving Stimpson and defendant both threw beer over him. Was quite certain both threw .beer. Frost and Stimpson said that if he would give up his work the. Union would give him £2O or .t:w. IT,, replied that he did not live on charity, when defendant said he had lived on charity at Mokau. To Mr. Rov: Stimpson was the most aggressive' and was first to throw the beer, defendant following. J. Crowe gave unimportant'evidence.

I Defendant denied having thrown any beer Stimpson and plaintiff had some works over- the strike, when Stimpson went to fight plaintiff, hut was stopped liy J'rost. and Stimpson threw the beer. Jo Mr. Stead: Had nothing to do with the. strike, and was not an employee of . . °rks. ] fad been so some seven or eight years ago. Said to Crowe that ho was surprised to see him associating with pliiintill. Jt was not due to strike matters b"t with a knowledge of pin ?n----tifl at \lokau. E. J. Frost corroborated the defendants evidence.

Plaintiff, recalled, said there had been nn* scufile. The beer was thrown at him when leaving the room, and not as stated by the defence. Xo subscription had nveii been raised for him in Mokau. Plaintiff was non-suited, without costs.