I.W.W. PRISONERS

Taranaki Daily News, 4 August 1920, Page 5

I.W.W. PRISONERS

ORDER FOR RELEASE. BOLITICAL FLUTTER CAUSED. Bf WUmi*.—7r«j» Asm.—Copyrirtt. Eeceived August 3, 9.45 p.m. Sydney, August 3. A special meeting of the Executive Council ordered the release of all the Industrial Workers of the World prisoners, except .King and Reeve. The Trades Hall Council is arranging a public welcome to the men at the Town Ball on Friday.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. Received August 3, 7.25 p.m. Sydney, Auguft 5. The question of the release of the I.W.W. prisoners, in accordance with Mr. Justice Swing's report, is the subject of much comment in the newspapers. I It is regarded aa a serious matter that the findings of a junior Judge, imported from another State, should be allowed to over-ride the considered findings of older and more experienced Judges of the New South Wales Supreme Court. It is suggested that the Government might mend the position by referring Mr, Justice Swings recommendations to the Judges who have already dealt with the cases for a report before releasing the prisoners. In reference to Mr. Storey's contention that .Mr. Justice Ewimfs Commission was the fulfilment of a promise given by the Labor Party at the hustings, it is contended that such promise could not justify a departure from a sound and approved legal practice as that involved, particularly by the Government, which did not secure a majority mandate from the electors.—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn. "JUDICIAL BURLESQUE." Received August 3, 10.20 p.m. Bydney, August 3. Sir G. W. Fuller (Colonial Secretary) views the release of the I.W.W. prisoners with the greatest consternation. Ee referred to Mr. Justice Ewdng's statement that he was quite careless what tl*s opinion of the people of Sydney would be, because by the <Ume the report was, received he would be in Tasmania. Sir G. W. Fuller concluded: "{The whole country will resent this latest judicial burlesque." ■ 1 Mr, Foxton, an Independent Nationalist, who, since the elections, supported the Government, stated that in view of the dangerous precedent established he Will in future oppose them. He suggests that Mr. Levy should resign the Speakership and support the Opposition. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.