THE WAIHI TROUBLE.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIV, Issue 19, 14 September 1912, Page 2

THE WAIHI TROUBLE.

OFFENSIVE ACT COMMITTED

SHOCKING AMOUNT OF LYING

(Per Press Association.) Waihi, September 13

On the Court resuming this afternoon, Mr Clcndon intimated that the evidence for the defence was closed. Ho would ask the Bench to give judgment before the other cases were approached. This was agreed to, and the Magistrate's decisions were as follows:—"First of all, and apart from individuals, I would like to make some general remarks. The burning question, of course, was the .strike, and whether the strike was right or wrong, and whether the engine-drivers or unionists were right or wrong. These questions had nothing to do with the Magistrate. All that he is concerned about is to sea ±hat neither sections, engine-drivers nor unionists, commit a breach of the peace or do anything that would lead to such. These men were charged with following, the engine-drivers in an offensive manner for the purpose of provocation. I have to look to all the circumstances, and we have ample evidence that a man was followed about by crowds, many using objectionable, words. They were treading so closely on his heels as to be within an ace of committing an assault. The manner in which they followed him reduced him to the verge of nervous prostration. I don't say they were otherwise a riotous or a disorderly crowd. The police had said that the crowd were orderly and peaceful to them, though obviously hostile to Sheard. I must also pay my tribute to the general good conduct of the miners from my own observations before and since the strike. Their conduct has been exceptionally good. The police said the crowd were otherwise orderly. I must also pay a; tribute to the general good conduct of the miners. President Parry gave his evidence very straiglit-forwardly. He also said that the union did not encourage, these tactics, but the men had acted on their own initiative, thus showing that the officers of the Union had lost control. All the ingredients of the offence are approved. lam satisfied that an offensive act has been committed. In my opinion, unless something is done, these acts will be repeated. The three men, Harman, Gaynor and Lennon, were on a different footing. They showed that they were not on the scene at the hours stated by the police. Eegarding the others, I am satisfied that the police proved their case, and all that was asked was that the men should enter into a peace bond not to repeat their conduct. lam satisfied that there has been a shocking amount of lying, and no one could have sat in the Court without knowing this."

Fourteen of the defendants were; ordered to enter into a personal bond of £lO, with another surety for £lO, to keep the peace for twelve months. The Magistrate stated that he was willing to accept the surety of any member of the Union not implicated in the case to go bond for his mate. The other cases were adjourned till to-morrow. At counsel's request, it was agreed to defer the rinding of sureties till the morning, counsel urging that the men wanted time, and intimated that owing to policy the Union were not too much inclined to find sureties. Anyway, they wanted time to consider the matter. A big mass meeting of miners is being held tonight.