THE “GO-SLOW” CASES.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 1710, 10 May 1917, Page 2

THE “GO-SLOW” CASES.

COMMENTING on the Magistrate’s decision in the go-slow cases heard at Auckland recently, the Herald says : —“The magistrate by whom the ‘go-slow’ eases have been tried in Auckland was placed in an exceedingly difficult position by the recent settlement of the coalminers’ strike. In the course of this settlement it was agreed, on behalf of the Government, by the ActingPrime Minister and the Minister for Alines, that penalties would not be pressed for in these cases. This was slated in Court by the counsel for the prosecution, but Air Frazer felt it to he his duty to ignore such an .agreement and to throw upon the Governor’s advisers the responsibility of releasing the defendants. He imposed sentences of two and nine months hi two and seven eases respectively. It will be generally agreed that Mr Frazer creditably and courageously upheld the best traditions of the magistracy, and has added to his growing reputation as an honest and conscientious adutini-

strator of the Law. The decision of the magistrate does not prevent the Government from pursuing in a constitutional manner any course it. considers advisable for allaying industrial trouble. The crisis is far too grave to permit of any unnecessary and avoidable misunderstanding which can only result in what Mr Frazer aptly called ‘playing the Germans’ game.’ There can be no doubt whatever that at the back of all the activities of the I. WAV, are German agents who take every possible advantage of domestic disputes, and make tools and catspaws of ignorant and prejudiced men. How shrewdly this is done can be seen from the craftiness with which the anti-conscription agitation was mixed with the ‘go-slow’ policy, regarded by the magistrate as clearly brought about by industrial reasons. Xo more deadly blow could be struck at the power of this Dominion to continue its efforts to bring the war to a successful issue than suspension of the coal-mining industry. The uninterrupted continuance of this essentia 'lindustry is of the most supreme importance, and every loyal citizen must support the Government in its efforts to that end.”