LABOUR AGITATOR FINED

Chronicle (Levin), 25 June 1949, Page 5

LABOUR AGITATOR FINED

Press Association)

S,M. Says Wod "Scab" Is Approbrious Term

(Per

AUCKLAND, June 24. ' 1 The -w-ord £ scab '• has an approbrious meaning aud when applied to a working man he feels it iniplies he is doing something that is. not proper- or is dishonourable. " i: With this comment,. Mr. J. Mprling, S.M., today fined Yictor George Wilcox £2 for using an insulting word in a public place, Queen Street, on April 20. Similar ' charges against. seven other men and a woman were adjourned, defending counsel. stating that he wished to consider a'ppealing. The proseeution arose. oUt o.f alleged incidents outside the 'Town Hall when members of tli,e. ^detegistered Carpea ters ' Union were hieeting. Counsel entered a plea of not guilty, holdiug there was no violation of public order.

The police proseeutor said a meeting was being held. by a lawful bpdy of citizens who were not in acecrd with certain - policy., As they entered and left the hall they were subjected to abuse by the use of the wo'rds "scab" and "seabby" 'from people' in the crowd of 150 to 200. While there was no violence, feeling was high and 27 police were on duty. Wilcox was heard to use the term and a newspaper Press photograph showed him with both fists raised and ealling out. Wilcox was not a carpenter. A.mong the crowd outside the building there were banners with the words ' ' scab ' ' and ' ' seabby, ' ' There was th e singing of a parody, the last line of which was -"and so say all the scabs. " Booing was also evident as people left the meeting. DQfending counsel fMr. Haig) eubmitted there must be evidence that people had been insulted, and the words objected to were made directly to them or used within their/ hearing and that tlvev reflected on ' the character of others. The Magistrate said that while there was no evidence to Show that the feelings of any person lmd been hurt, the Oourt was entitled to form the conclusion that they were. There seemed to be no doubt about the attitude of de|ondant from - the' photograph produeed.