THE STRIKE RE-TRIALS.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1981, 11 February 1914, Page 8

THE STRIKE RE-TRIALS.

1^ THOMPSON ACQUITTED* THE JUDGE'S COMMENT ON FINDING. Two re-trials of men alleged to have been concerned iti strike disturbances were held yesterday. The result was that Samuel Thompson was acquitted, and that Robert liitl, respecting whoso case tlie jury disagreed, was oruered to bo tried tor the tiiird time, tlie trial to take place in May. Samuel Thompson was re-tried on a charge of having taken part iii the riot at the Post and Telegraph Stores, ' in Waterloo Quay, on tho morning or October 30, and with having assaulted certain Special constables. Prisoner, who was a w-atcrsider and a striker, Was defended Mr. A. Dunn. Mr. P. S. K. Marassey represented tho Crown. ! Evidence was given by regular police officers that Thompson had urged members of a mob to "come on" and attack a small body of specials, who were in tho Post and Telegraph yard with their horses. Thompson admitted that he was on the scene, but denied that he took any part in tho riot-. Tlie jury returned a verdict of notguilty. Tlie foreman said that tho jury considered that there was not sufficient evidence against the prisoner to justify a verdict of guilty. His Honour remarked that the jury had conic to that conclusion in the Wo of tho evidence of honest witnesses. Third Trial Ordered. Robert Hill again stood in the dock to answer an allegation that he had taken part in a riot- in Taranaki Street on the night- of November 4. Mr. E. .1, Fitzgibbon defended him, and Mr. P. S. K. Macassey appeared for tho Crown. Several police officers deposed that they' had seen Hill in the crowd, and Inspector IJendrey stated tlnit he had seen the accitscd throw a soda-water bottlp, which struck a constable iu the back. Hill stated that he was merely oti his way home when tho police saw him, and ho denied that lie threw the sodawater bottle. During his address to the jury, Mr. Fitzgibbon paid a. tribute to the very fair manner.in which Inspector Hendrey and Deteetivc-Scrgeant Cassels had given their evidence. After being in .retirement for four hours the jury announced that they had They wero then discharged, Mr. Macassej; asked His Honour to order a new trial, and this Was done, and tho trial set down for the next criminal session. His Honour said that he did not see his way- to delay the civil business any further b.v taking the third trial this session. Hill was released on his own recognisance. Tho next criminal session opens in May*