THE LATE DISTURBANCE IN PORT.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2064, 5 October 1880, Page 3

THE LATE DISTURBANCE IN PORT.

To the Editor of the (flooe.

Sib,—l see in the local papers a paragraph headed “Assault,”’ in which a statement is made that one of Talbot and McClatohie’e workmen had been ill-treated by some of the men who refused the reduced pay. Allow me, sir, in justice to the men, to most emplatically deny the accusation. The real state of the facts is : The man known in Port as “ Taranaki Jack” is not a lumper, but a discharged soldier of the 75th, and counts himself a fighting man. On the morning in question, he camo amongst the others, and without any provocation whatever offered to box any man in the crowd. He then picked out one particular man, and commenced calling him most insulting names, upon which he was knocked down by that man, and from him and he alone received the ill-treatment, as it is termed, or more justly speaking the punishment he so justly deserved for hia insulting behaviour. No mention was made as to whose workman he was, or his rate of pay. It was aimply a private quarrel. No men of Talbot and MoOlatohie have been interfered with in any way since they have been working for the reduced money. The old hands have simply tried to got a living elsewhere. Hoping you will give these facts publicity. Yours, <fco., ON-LOOKER. Lyttelton, October stb, 1880,