AUSTRALIA’S COAL DISPUTE.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18499, 21 February 1930, Page 9

AUSTRALIA’S COAL DISPUTE.

Echo of Court Decision. FURTHER ACTION LIKELY. (United Press Association—By Eectrle Telegraph—Copyright.) SYDNEY, February 20. It is rumoured that though they were acquitted at Kurri on charges of using insulting words to the police at Cessnock, on November 18, the Hon. J. A. Baddeley, a member of the State Assembly, and M. James, a Federal representative probably will hear more of the matter. The Chief Secretary, in calling for reports on the case, says that it was a most extraordinary verdict, and in the interests of Justice the matter cannot be allowed to remain where it is. Apparently out of three members of the Court, one found the charge proved arid two decided to dismiss the case. It is strange that Justices of the Peace should sit on the Bench in the circumstances. It is pointed out that the two Justices in question are presidents of branches of the Australian Labour Party. It is officially explained that outside a Stipendiary Magistrate's district any Justice of the Peace has the right to sit on the Bench with a police Magistrate, and in such cases the verdict goes by the majority. The despatch and maintenance of 379 extra police in the Maitland coal fields since December 1 cost the Government £II,OOO.

, FEDERAL CABINET IN DISGRACE. “CAVE” FORMING AGAINBT TREASURER. (United Press Association—By Seetrio Telegraph—Copyright.) SYDNEY, February 20. A cave of five New South Wales members has been formed in the Federal Caucus against Mr E. G. Theodore, whose refusal to carry out the instructions of the Australian Labour Party Conference regarding the coal fields troubles has brought him into conflict with the political junta. The latter also are displeased with the actions of Mr Beasley, asslstantMinister of Industries.