THE BLACKBALL TROUBLE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2226, 25 June 1908, Page 2

THE BLACKBALL TROUBLE.

SUPREME COURT PROCEEDINGS A CASE EOR COURT OF APPEAL.

[Press Association.! CHRISTCHURCH. June 24. At a Banco sitting of the Supreme Court this morning, before Mr. Justice Denniston. a motion for certiorari and prohibition by the Blackball Miners Union (Air. Wriglit) was called for hearing.' Mr. Russell, who appeared. for the respondent (the Crown) said, in answer to a question by His Honor, that - lie. believed the ' only question which would be raised would be as to whether the. Arbitration Court was within its jurisdiction in regard to the fining and issuing of distress warrants against, members of the Union. He did not think that the; correctness of Mr. Justice Sim’s decision would have to be considered. Has Honor asked why the ease was not taken direct to the Court of Appeal. ' : , Air. Russell said that it was suggested that the case was not of sufficient importance to go to the Court of Appeal. His Honor said that it would be unfortunate if the time of this Court was wasted on the matter, and the case eventually went to the Court of Appeal, as it probably would. Air. Wriglit said that the Union was quito prepared to go direct to the Court- of Appeal. His Honor: You want- an opinion which will be received with public confidence. Supposing I disagree with Afr. Justice Sim, that will be a case merely of two judges disagreeing. Afr. Russell said that personally he would prefer tlio matter to go to the Court bf Appeal. He would consult his principals in the matter. The matter was allowed to stand over till 2 p.m.

At the afternon sitting Air. Wright said it lmd been agreed by tlio parties to tako the case direct to tlio Court of Appeal. Air. Wriglit applied for a rule nisi staying the proceedings from date. Air. Russell gave an assurance that there was-no present intent of selling the distrained goods. His Honor said in that ease a decree nisi would lie unnecessary.