“Enemy Action.”

Hokitika Guardian, 29 March 1922, Page 4

“Enemy Action.”

a statement objected to. WELLINGTON, March 27. During the sitting of the Arbitration Court in the watorsiders’ case strong exception was taken tby the union representative to a statement made by one witness in regard to coal handling. Captain Walton. Marine Superintendent, stated that coal handling had been reduced from fifteen to fourteen tons per gang per hour to about ten. He supposed this was the result of enemy action. Mr Bruce, secretary of the Water—aiders’ Union strongly objected to the remark. Captain Walton, he said was suffering from an attack of vivid imagination. Mr J. Roberts of the Federation of Labour, said it was a serious charge to make, for it inferred that the wntersiders had been in leaguO with the Germans. He demanded a definite explanation, A charge against

6000 men of having been influenced by enemies during the war could not h’e lightly passed over. Captain Walton; I did not say that. Mr Roberts: ’ You said it was enemy action. 11 is' Honour Mr Justice Frazer: He lias only given it as a possible supposition. The witness said he held the highest opinion of the men on the wharves. He made no charge against anybody or individual. His Honour; You said possibly the origin of this trouble might have come from the enemy action.