THE STRIKE PROSECUTIONS.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1394, 21 March 1912, Page 8

THE STRIKE PROSECUTIONS.

WHY NOT SECTION NINE? Tho course adopted by the Government in regard to the prosecution of those concerned in the recent tramway strike is condemned by the Wellington Citizens' League, which has caused its secretary to writo the following letter to the Minister for Labour. (Hie lion. J. A. Millar) :•?- .■' Wellington City Tramway Strike, February, 1912. "The above matter was discussed by my executive at their last meeting, and it was decided to write to your Department drawing attention to tho fact that'it appeared, in tho interests of tho public generally, that tho prosecution of the Tramway Union should havo been instituted under Section 9 of the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Amendment Act, 1908, instead of under. Sections 5 and G, as is tho case. It appears to my. executive that Section 9 was expressly designed to meet such a specific breach of the Act as the one in question, especially seeing that in this instance a public service was seriously dislocated. You will understand that tho object of our league is to carefully watch the interests of tho public in matters'/of this kind, and'it is with tho idea of so doing that you are approached on this matter. Indeed, my executive think that it would probably havo been difficult to have found a more appropriate caso wherein tho terms of Section 9 should bo invoked, and they would be glad if the attention of tho Department could be drawn to this matter, with a view, if possible, of rectifying what appears to bo a wrong procedure. In discussing tho matter, regret was' also expressed by members of my executive that some steps had not been taken tp bring to justice those persons who aided and abetted the recent tramway strike. It has been noticed that some of the chief offenders in this respect havo, sinco the settlement of tho strike,- openly defied tho setting in motion of the law against them, and have'even gono to tho extent of threatening dire consequence to thepublic if they arc prosecuted. It is hoped by my executivo that such statements arc not going to hear with the officers of tho Department in carrying out tho law to its fullest extent, otherwiso tho public generally will bo without the protection in such matters that is provided under tho Acts at present in force. In conclusion my executive earnestly asks your best attention to tho above matters, and hopes that prompt action will be taken to ensure and safeguard tho interests not only of the Wellington public but of tho Dominion generally."

MR. FULLER'S COSTS, SUBSCRIPTION MST OPENED. ' Tho executive of tho Citizens' Leaguehas had under consideration tho matter of the City Council's refusal to refund to Mr. Fuller the costs incurred by him in defending his position against tho charges made by tho Tramways Union. The executive considers that, as Mr.. Fuller was forced into the position through no fault, of his own, tho council should not compel him to bear these legal expenses. The execulivo recognises, however, that as it may not 1m possible- for the council to rescind tho resolution, tho councillors should bo personally requested to contribute to the subscription lists which the league has decided to open. lasts have been opened, and contributions by sympathisers may bo loft at the office of this paper, or at the office of the league, Chamber of Commorco Offices, 100 Customhouse Quay- Wellington*