THE BLACKBALL STRIKE.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 9077, 29 April 1908, Page 5

THE BLACKBALL STRIKE.

HICKEY ARRESTED

EXCITING SCENES

BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION'. GREYMOUTH, April 28,

The township of Blackball was thrown into a great state of excitement this morning, when Mr Hickey was arrested for non-payment of a fine inflicted on him by the magistrate about the middle of February, when he was charged with disobeying the commands of the mine manager in refusing to go to work at the end of fifteen minutes crib time. The fine and costs amounted to £1 13s.

On Monday evening it was known in Blackball that the warrant was issued, and arrangements were made for the band to turn out. In the morning, a little before 8 o'clock, the band lined up and Hickey made his appearance at the top end of the township. He was hoisted shoulder high, and when Constable Egan served the warrant and arrested him he was greeted with loud cheers and cries of "Good old Hickey." The constable and Hickey mounted the coach to proceed to Ngahere to catch the train for Greymouth. The Band also had a vehicle to convey them to Ngphere to see Hickey start for gaol. As the coaches moved off the streets were lined with men, women amjurhildren, and cheer upon cheer was given. The band continued to play until Ngahere was reached. At Ngahere, during the short wait for the train, the hero of the hour was continually cheered, while the band played several selections. The residents of Nahere walked out, and when the train drew in the greatest excitement prevailed. As the train moved off hats were thrown in the air, cheers were given, and the band Struck up a lively tune. The train arrived in Greymouth at 11 o'clock, and Hickey was taken to the pblice station and kept in the watch-house. The intention was to convey him to Hokitika by the afternoon's train, where he would be placed in the gaol. This, however, was upset, for someone paid the fine, and he could have his liberty. There seems a little mystery about who really did pay the fine. A reporter, on enquiring at the police station, was told that the person had askfid that his name be kept secret, but that he was a sympathiser.