READY TO READ RIOT ACT.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1901, 8 November 1913, Page 6

READY TO READ RIOT ACT.

JUSTICES INSTRUCTED. (By Tcleiirapli.—Press Association.) Auckland, November 1. Over one hundred Justices of the Pcaco assembled in the Magistrate's Court this morning. The meeting iVuB presided over by Mr. Kettle, S.M., senior magistrate, and Mr. Cut ton, S.AI. Mr. kettle oxplained that it might be necessary for the Justices of the Peace auy time jk»o' to do their duty by reading tho Riot Act. -110 explained that 011 - a Justieo of the Peace being informed, that, twelve or more persons woro unlawfully, riotously, or tumultu* ously assembles! he should proceed to such place, or as near as it Was Safe ta' go, and proclaim in a loud voice that all persons so assembled should imtoodiately disperse. Upon conviction of such offence tliore was a hoary penalty or imprisonment for life. It was not a question of taking tip a position of j hostility to tho strikers, but solely to protect property and the jives of citizens. They, should be satisfied that the circumstances warranted the reading of tho proclamation, exercise wise discretion, and -u.se good, common sense, if thp police: applied for the reading of tho proclamation that would bo very • strong reason for compliance. Mr. Kettle also drew attention to the sections of the Justice of tho Peace Act and the Licensing Act, authorising the closing of hotels in the locality of a riot or tumult, or where such disturbau.ee was likely to happen.