THE HERO OF THE HOUR.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2177, 29 April 1908, Page 2

THE HERO OF THE HOUR.

ARREST OF MR. HICKEY. INTENSE EXCITEMENT AT BLACKBALL. Prc6s AssociationGREYMOUTIi, April 2S. The township of Blackball -was thrown into -a great state of excitement this morning, when. Mr: Hickey was arrested for non-payment of fine inflicted on him -by t-ho magistrate albout the middlo of February, .when he was charged - -with disobeying the commands of the mine manager .in refusing to go -to work at the end of 15 minutes’ crib time. . The-fiue and costs '.amounted...to. £1 13s. On Monday evening -it was -known in Blackball that the warrant was issued, and arrangements were-made for the band to turn out in the morning. A little 'before S o’clock-the iband lined -up, -and . Hickey made his. appearance at the top end of the township. He -was (hoisted shoulder high and carried through the township. When Constable Egan served t-lie rw-a-r----rant aind arrested him.he was greeted with loud cheers and cries of “Good Old Hickey.” The constable and Hickey mounted the coach ,to proceed to Ngaliero to catch the train- foi Greymouth, the band, who had a conveyance to convey them to Ngaliert to 6ee Hickey start, for gaol, accompanying them. As the coaches moved off, the streets were lined with men, women, and children, and cheer upon cheer was given. The ban< continued to play until Ngahere war reached.' ' ' '

At Ngahere, during a short waif for the train, the- hero of the houi was continually cheered, while tin. band played several selections. Tin residents of Ngahere turned out, -auc when the train drew in the greatest excitement -prevailed. As the trail.-' moved off,, hats -were thrown in tin air, Cheers were! given, and the hand struck up a lively tune. ; The train arrived in’ Greymouth at 11 o’clock and. Hickey was taken tb the police station and kept in the .wat-ebhouse. The intention was to convey him t-d Hokitika by tho afternoon’s train, where he .would be placed in the gaol. This, however, was upset, for someone paid the fine, and lie -could have Ills liberty. There seems a little mystery about who really did pay the fine. An “Argus”. representative, on inquiring at the police station, was told that the person had asked that his name be kept secret, but lie was a sympathiser.