INDUCING STRIKE

Hokitika Guardian, 22 July 1933, Page 5

INDUCING STRIKE

SEVEN MEN TRIED

RELIEF WORKERS BEFORE COURT

(Per Press Association—Copyright),

WELLINGTON, July 21. Seven men, alleged by the police to have taken leading parts in the recent attempts to induce Wellington relief workers to go out on strike, Vi ere again before the court to-day. Hie Chief Detective said he anticipated that the defence ! Would be that accused’s actions did not amount to

besetting. Some other word might fit the case, and if evidence disclosed that, some other offence had been committed, lie submitted that the Magis-

trate iiad power to amend the informations.

Several overseers were called, and it was stated that members of the procession mingled with the relief workers and called out such words as “Down with your tools,” “Come off the job.” No endeavour was made to get men off by force. Detective Sergeant Hall said that at Mol rose, relief workers were addressed by the accused Brooks, who said he.wanted the relief workers to join with the strikers to present a “solid front.” Another man who spoke was against n strike. He considered the strike executive had been selfelected, that they were Communists, and that the constitution of the elected delegates had been thrown out. The man did not get much hearing.' About 40 men were oil the job. Only 18 votted. Fourteen were for a strike, and four against. Witness noticed one man voting who was not working on the job. All the accused appeared to be taking an active part in the procession.

For the defence, Mr P. B. Fifidierbert submitted that there was no case to answer. The police had failed to indicate with certainty that any person had been intimidated, or that there had been any watching or besetting. , ■ ’

Mr Fitzherbert described, the procession as a “police-conducted Cook’s Tour.”

Both Blair and Webb also addressed the court, and they submitted that, in striking, the relief workers were not holding up industry.

Webb, while admitting that the Communist party took a leading part in the strike, denied flmt it had been organised by that Party. Both of the accused alleged that the charge was a “frame-up” t 0 get them out of the way and to prevent their assisting the working classes. The Magistrate intimated that be would take, time to consider the charges. In regard to the charges against III! air, Webb, Poeoelc, Baker and Brooks, or taking part in an unlawful procession, Mr Page said ifhat he thought that there had been a breach of a by-law, but that it was not one that requires a conviction, and he proposed to dismiss that information. The Magistrate said that he considered the actions of Blair and Baker did not amdunt to inciting lawlessness, and he dismised those informations also.