CROWD CHEERS

Waipukurau Press, Volume XXVIII, Issue 131, 28 May 1932, Page 2

CROWD CHEERS

Huntly Store Raiders RINGLEADERS GAOLED LESSER LIGHTS EINED (Per Press Association) HAMILTON, Last Night. Five of the ringleaders in the raid on the Huntly branch of the Farmers’ Trading Company’s store on May 19 by a big crowd of unemployed were sentenced to three months’ imprisonmct by Mr F. N. Lcvein, S.M., in the Huntly Magistrate’s Court to-day. Another fourteen who participated in the looting were fined £lO, in default one month’s imprisonment. The accommodation of the small court building was fully taxed by prisoners and officials, none of the outside public being admitted inside the court precincts. Throughout the lengthy hearing, which occupied the greater part of the day, a large curious crowd, among which were the wives and relatives of the accused, waited outside on the footpath in front of the courthouse and hundreds were congregated on the roadway overlooking the side of the building and followed the day’s proceedings through the side windows of the court. As the men left the building with a strong police guard they were cheered and surrounded by friends, who followed the prisoners down to the railway station. Prior to the train’s departure for Auckland a section on the platform who had all along been calling out Words of encouragement joined in lustily singing the "Red Flag.” The train drew out to the accompaniment of boos and cheers. Lengthy evidence showed that following a meeting of unemployed a crowd of between 70 and 80 entered the store and asked for goods to the value of £5O to be charged to ii.e Hospital Board. On the manager's refusal a show of hands was taken, as a result of which the men commenced helping themselves and filling sacks and other receptacles with groceries. The store manager and assistants identified the prisoners as persons wdio participated in the raid. The evidence showed that Horotio Swindells and Grynley Kinson entered the store with the men in an endeavour to persuade the others from stealing goods. Sutherland Peden said he had entered the store out of curiosity and had taken no part in the looting. The information in these cases was dismissed.

On a charge of inciting lawlessness the following were sentenced to three months’ hard labour:—David Fulton Albert, Allen, Haymond Richards, Joseph Bingham, James Stirling. The following were fined £lO in default one month’s imprisonment, on the theft charge:—Henry Fchsenfcld, Joseph Scott Moodic, Ewan David Davies, Idris Davies, Robert Kaweroa, Heta Tarawhiti, Peter Raumate Gray, Karoa Joseph Barryman, Taiki Whin, Edward Green, Francis George Stevens and Thomas Morgan.