Arrest of James Martin.

*THE WORKER*

Brisbane July 14, 1894

Arrest of James Martin.

The A.L.F. General organiser, Jim Martin, was arrested four miles from Winton early on Sunday morning last. The police, we are informed by W. C. Curtis, sec. A.W.U. Hughenden, decline to state the charge on which Martin was arrested, and our impression is that the authorities will be compelled to release him at an early date. Universal regret has been expressed in unionist circles at Martin's incarceration, as a more earnest and popular organiser never travelled the Queensland bush. Immediately on receipt of the news, Albert Hinchcliffe, General Secretary A.L.F., wired: “On what charge are you arrested? Can we do anything for you?” Martin replied; “Charged with being person of evil fame, Remanded till Thursday. You cannot assist at present.” Julian Stuart, union ex-prisoner, also wired, and received a reply to the same effect, and stating that Martin expected to be released on Thursday.

The Courier “understands” that when arrested Jim Martin had on his person a revolver fully loaded and about eighty rounds of ammunition. Some fuss is being made of this circumstance by “respectability,” but no mention is made of the arms carried by pastoralist executive officers. It is quite a common thing in the bush for men to travel armed, and unionists are not the only persons who carry revolvers, as was proved by the following statement picked up in the Electric Telegraph Office during last strike:

Brisbane, March 19, 1891.

Mr. Oliver, Executive Officer of Queensland Pastoralists'

Association, c/o Queensland Club.

Bought of Foster and Kelk, (Late Brookes and Foster), Ironmongers.

6 English Constabulary Revolvers, 100/-        £30.0.0

2 B. and W. Revolvers, 85/- and 95/- . .              9.0.0

6 Boxes 450 Cartridges, 4/6 . . . .                           1.7.0

4 Boxes S. and W. ditto, 4 . . . .                             0.16.0

Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . .                                             £41.3.0