THE WESTPORT RIOTS.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XVI, Issue 821, 18 April 1868, Page 1 (Supplement)

THE WESTPORT RIOTS.

' The preliminary examination of the Fenian prisoners William Larkin, John Manning, James Clark, William Melody, I and John Barrett, took place, at Hokitika, on Saturday, March 28, before G. G. Fitz Gerald, Esq., R.M. The authorities con- j sidered it necessary to exercise caution in guarding against any tumult which might arise, as a great many of the partisans of the prisoners where known to be in Hokitika. Strong bodies of special constablesguarded their passage from the police camp to the Court-house, which latter building was carefully d efeuded . Thp'men presented a wearied and careworn appearance, and met with little sympathy from the surrounding crowd. The prisoners were charged with riot. Mr. Harvey, in conjunction with Mr. Button, appeared for the Crown, while the prisoners were undefended. The only evidence called was that of Charles Townley Brown, detective constable, who deposed that on Sunday, the Bth March, he was on duty at the Hokitika Cemetery. A procession approached upon that day, of which the prisoners formed a part. Melody and Clark went to the cemetery gate, and after destroying the hinges, lifted it from its position. The I procession then entered the cemetery, bearing banners, upon one of which was inscribed "God save Ireland. 'Tis treason to love, and death to defend." On another was marked the Irish " Wolf and Harp." The prisoner Larkin addressed the people in the cemetery, declaring that they had been abused by the Mayor of Hokitika, and that he would make that gentleman bow to them. The processionists then erected a cross to the memory of the three | men who had been executed at home for I the shooting of Sergeant Brett. Upon being examined by the prisoner Manning, Brown further stated that the procession was not rowdy or quarrelsome. No arms were apparent among them. The people walked in an orderly manner somewhat resembling a funeral. Mr. Harvey asked for a remand. The prisoners were remanded until the Ist of April. The prisoner Manning asked if they would be allowed bail. His Worship declined to allow the prisoners bail. A second information was laid against the prisoners Larkin and Manning, charging them with hhe publication of seditious libels against her Majesty. The prisoners were undefended. Mr. Harvey applied for a remand. The prisoner Manning asked for a further remand than the Ist of April, in order that he might have time to prepare his defence.

Mr. Harvey suggested that the prisoners should be brought up on that date and then further remanded. The prisoner Manning made complaints regarding the treatment they received in prison, stating they were treated like felons drawn from the lowest stratum of society. Inspector Braham mentioned that their treatment was the reverse. The prisoners were remanded until the Ist of April, when they were committed for trial.