WAIHI STRIKE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 1095, 12 September 1912, Page 2

WAIHI STRIKE.

THK FOLLOWING UP CASKS

A CRITICAL STAGE

Waihi, Last Night

In the strike cases to-day the evidence for the prosecution showed systematic following up of engine-driver Sheard, causing him serious annoyance. Counsel for defendants contended that no breach of the peace occurred, and that with the exception of two men, Zenovitch and Kemp, who it was alleged had behaved threateningly, the strikers were quiet and orderly. Also that the defendants were not more prominent in the affair than the general crowd. The Magistrate said the question was what was the object of the following up practices ? Counsel said he supposed it was to show that these men are marked men. In most cases this attitude was adopted in conciliation in order to convert them to their side.

His Worship : “Is that the way to conciliate a man —to follow him up, call him a scab and threaten to smash him up ? ” It seemed marvellous how men who were subjected to such treatment had kept self control. The further hearing was adjourned till next morning. THE POLICE POSITION. The Commissioner of Police, Mr Cullen, has given it out that it is obvious that a most critical stage of the strike has been reached, and he wanted it clearly understood that the police will remain at Waihi till the end of the strike, and will protect every man wishing to work, irrespective of whether he is an Arbitratiouist or a Federationist. Further, that the Government is determined to maintain law and order.