THE GO-SLOW TRIAL.

Hokitika Guardian, 25 April 1917, Page 3

THE GO-SLOW TRIAL.

Further Evidence

AUCKLAND, Opril 24. At the trial of John Jones, the Prosi- • dent of the Coalminers Federation, of conspiracy to encourage a seditious strike at the Taupiri mines Sub-in-spector Mcllveney gave evidence of 1 the arrest of the defendant and others at Huntly and of tho search of their houses and of the Union offices, - and the seizure of documents Defendant gave every • assistance. Jordan another defendant admitted having written and uosted the notice atr tuo “Extended pithead o-n February 28th. Mr. Singer for defendant asked permission to make an explanation which his clients wore anxious to have made respecting the correspondence dealing with tho Australian strike. Air. Meredith in his opening address had made a strong point of a cable sent to Australia signed “Arbucklo” «uiu stating “Have granted Now Zealand Governonienft permission.” Prosecuting Counsel suggested that- tho body 7 of which Arbucklo was the mouthpiece was acting as* superior body to the- New Zealand Government and itliat the destinies of New Zealand were not controlled by the- representative Govern ment but by a select coterie known as “Th© Coalminers Federated Union.” As a matter of fact when Mr Meredith made that part of his address lie was not' aware of tho circumstances under wliidi the cable was sent. The matter was of importance to the miners and they wished it to be known that they aia not ursurp the functions of the Executive Government, but that the transactions and wires between Arbnckle and the Australian miners were carried out and sent with the consent and knowledge of the Government. More than that they were sent at tho expense of the New Zealand Government. What might be known as tho “Permission Cable” to Australia was written in the presence and at the request of the Minister of Justice, and sent away by tho Minister or one of his secretaries. Tho wording of the telegram was decided by the parties in conference, including Hon. Air Hanan, and it was written liy one of Mr Ha-nan’s secre-

taries. Sub-Inspeotor Mcllveney, proceeding, read telegrams and letters found in defendant’s possession relating to tho matters - of the Federaftaoni- Among the documents were a series of telegrams and letters signed by Arbucklo. in which tho' policy of restriction was frequently referred to as the subject oi a ballot bv the West Coast miners, and the eventual agreement of all tho miners there except, those of Millerton to the adoption of “restriction.” The hearing was adjourned.

f nother Charge

AUCKLAND, April 24. Tho charge against John Jones, president of the Coal Minors’ Federation was proceeded with to-day. Tho evidence consisted of letters and telegrams seized at tho t-inio of the arrest at Huntly on April 3rd. chiefly communication.*,! from Arbucklo secretary of the Federation‘ in the course of which frequent references were made to Arbuekle’s efforts to get the West Coast miners to endorse and proceed with the restriction of output. One of tho telegrams referred to tho Australian strike. Mr. Singer couns'el for tho dofence seize dtlie oportunity to reply to a statement made yesterday by Mr Meredith-.- Quoting Arbuckle’s cable to Aus. tralia lie said that Mr. Meredith was no aware that the cable in question was worded at a conference of throe parties including The Minister of Justice and written by one of the Minist er’s secretaries and sent by him at tho Government’s expense.

Buller Minors Resumed. Westport, April 25 Dennison, Millerton and Stockton miners reearaed wrrk this morning.

Back to Work

Wellington, April 25

Sio James Alien states all the coalmines are working to-day, with the exception of Paparoa, which will reeume work tomorrow.

Westport Elections

Westport, April 25

, For the Mayoralty, the candidates are Messrs Leaver and Samuels. For the Council there ere fourteen candidates and the Hospital and Harbour Board full lists,

Alleged Cattle Stealing.

Hamilton, April 21 A man named Harold Keys was committed for trial yesterday on three ■charges of cattle stealing.

Anzac Day.

Christchurch, April 25

There is dull weather for Adzsc Day. Special services were held in the chief churches, and a soldier’s wreath was placed in tbs Anglican Cathedral. There is a military parade, including returned soldiers in the North Park this afternoon.

Miners Resuming

Auckland, April 25 Waipa Colliery resumes work tomorrow. Pukemira miners resume on Friday. The delay in the latter case is duo to some repairs being necessary.

Shortening the Trial

Auckland, April 25

In the cases against the miners to« day, after a conference between conncel, Singer, representing the accused, asked for an adjournment to enable them to discuss a certain matter with his clients, Mr Meredith bad no objeotion. It is stated and understood that the result would piobab'y be the shortening of proceedings. The Court adjourned till to-morrow.