Christchurch dockers mourn murdered picket
Wellington, New Zealand, 4th January 2000
Christchurch dock workers are not reporting for work for 24 hours from
7am tomorrow to show respect for Christine Clarke, 45, wife of a dock
worker who died of injuries received while holding the picket line on
Lyttelton docks, Christchurch. Ms Clarke was one of several picketers
helping distribute literature to individuals working the docks during a
dispute on 28th December. One driver, who had reportedly already crossed the
line twice during the day, was stopped by the pickets. A New Zealand Press
Association report stated that the driver then fixed his eye on the
protesters in front of the car and suddenly accelerated. Ms Clarke had no
time to jump aside and was run over by the vehicle. She was severely injured
and died in hospital of her wounds.
The driver of the vehicle has been apprehended and charged with
dangerous driving and causing an injury. Offences of this nature do not
involve a prison sentence. The police may bring further charges, pending the
coroner's findings. However, the editorial of a major newspaper has blamed
the unions for the tragic course of events, alleging the strike was
technically illegal under existing statutes. Radio newscasts have suggest Ms
Clarke may have herself been partly to blame, by not getting out of the way
quick enough. She is known to suffered a stroke two years ago, this detail
giving rise to speculation that her reactions may have been slower than those
of her fellow picketers. Meanwhile, the Lyttelton Port Company has described
the dockers intention to attend the funeral tomorrow as a shameful political
stunt and an illegal strike.
Ends
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