THE CZAR OF STRIKERS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 261, 27 March 1913, Page 5

THE CZAR OF STRIKERS.

THREAT OF ASSASSINATION. CHARGE AGAINST A FARMER. By Telegraph—Press Association. Wellington, Wednesday. An unusual case, arising out of the slaughtermen's strike, was heard in the Magistrate's Court to-day, when Walter Litchfield, farmer, Manaroa, Picton Sounds, was charged witli sending a letter to Mr. Reardon, secretary of the Slaughtermen's Union, containing a threat to kill the recipient. The letter was as follows: —"Mr. J. Reardon, Wellington,—You want to keep your job. You had better settte this strike quick. My mortgagee is only waiting an excuse to step in, and if I can't sell my lambs within the next fortnight or three weeks he will ge his chance, and I shall be ruined. If that happens it will not matter what happens to me after. I don't, want to be either ruined or hung, but if I am through you I will send you to hell first, and though you may have a few weeks start of me and hell is a big place, I'll find you, if it does take most of eternity to do it. Then it will he hell indeed, for you, perhaps for both of us. So if you don't want your wife to be a widow, settle this strike at once, or I'll settle you. Presidents, kings and emperors sometimes die before they are ready, so don't cry if you bring a sudden end on yourself." The letter was addressed to "His Imperial Majesty M. J. Reardon, Tsar of all the New Zealand strike promoters, etc., Wellington, or elsewhere." Mr. Reardon stated in evidence that he received the letter during the strike. In cross-examination, he said he did not regard the letter as a joke. He took the threat seriously. Mr. Griffiths, auctioneer, Blenheim, gave evidence that he had a bailment over Litchfield's sheep, but would not swear it was still operative. Litchfield was not in arrears with the interest.

Counsel: Do you know of any other farmers in the Manama district having mortgages over their property? Witness laughingly replied: "Yes, a great majority." Counsel: Could you think of one that might he in difficulties and in danger of the mortgagee taking possession? Witness: Yes. T eonld think of one. Accused pleaded not guilty, and was committed for trial.