ECHO TO STRIKE

Hokitika Guardian, 18 May 1933, Page 5

ECHO TO STRIKE

CASE IN COURT

TWO CHARGES PREFERRED.

(Per Press Association — Copyright.)

WELLINGTON, May 17

An incident which occurred on the waterfront during the recent , shipping strike was recalled in tlie Police Court to-day, when Spencer Leo Parsloe, a fireman, aged 33, was charged with attempting to cast adrift the tug Natone, and assaulting the nightwatchman.

The accused pleaded not guilty. He was committed to the Supreme Court for trial. His hail was renewed.

Robert Rankin, nightwatchman for the Union Coy., said that on May 6 about 6 p.m. he was on duty at the wharf. The 'Terewhiti was moored at the tug wharf, and the Natone at the breastwork, lying fairly close together. At 6.15 while he was on the deck of the Terewhiti, he saw a man walk to the stern of the vessel. The man came up to him and a&ked him if the lines were secure. On being told that they were, the man said: “.You would be the first to inform the Union Company if anything happened.” After a few seconds, he walked away in the direction of ihe ? .i ferry. wharf. About 7 said,his tention was drawn"to the jingling of a chain. He saw a man yn tlie wharf leaning over the ropes at the bow-of-the Natone.

“I went round to investigate,” said, witness. “As I approached, a man got up and walked towards t.he donkeyroonr: I then noticed a man over the stern lines of the Natone. On walking down toward him 1 saw him cutting the lines with ( a pocket knife. He make towards me. We had a tussle. Then the accused 'came up and interfered. One of the men punched me un the jaw,” Witness‘ said»that when •he - shouted for assistant©;’ iran yaway, calling, “Brih^"' ! the gang 3 j’j "When outsi^Vl ltihe wharf gates,! |hey called out‘thisj'they would know Aim in the daylight;; Constable j answered • the nightwatchman’skcaljlfor aid, said the '.accused was to him by Rsnkijn. The his fpllpwlng of Parsloe 1 , , rwhpij wanted to know j jvhv he was followed. When’ {the accused* VdnVf VtVard . a group: {near the Pcet OfAce. witness accosted him, and took him to the Wharf •Station. The constable said the accused denied being near the vessel. He said he had a few drinks, and that advantage 'pf. ;; tliis. Witness considered the aceu?b : j'was : .by