NOTICE ON PATH

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23269, 11 February 1939, Page 19

NOTICE ON PATH

YOUNG MAN'S ACTION FEELING AGAINST JAPAN COURT IMPOSES PENALTY "Painting of notices on the footpath within the city boundary is a breach of the city by-laws," said SubInspector Fox in the Police Court yesterday, when a young Englishman was charged with such an offence. The defendant, Richard Mann Southon, pleaded guilty to the charge, the wording of the notice being, '"Stop Japanese aggression—don't buy Japanese goods."

Mr. Fox said defendant and a companion were seen by a constable at 2 a.m. on December 20, painting on the path in Ponsonbv Road near Western Park. They had paint and a stencil, and were about to drive oft in a motorcar when the constable spoke to them. Defendant explainWl that he only recently arrived from London, where painting on the footpath was allowed, and he did not realise he had done any harm.

In reply to the magistrate, Mr. C. R. Orr Walker, Mr. Fox said the wording of the notice had 110 bearing on the case.

"I feel very strongly about this matter," defendant said. J was carried away by what has been happening in the war '/oho in China. I acted with humanitaristn motives, and did not stop to think whether it was legal or not."

The magistrate said there were often a lot of things one might like to paint on footpaths and other places. However, one had to take hold of one's feelings in such matters. * A fine of 10s was imposed, with costs, 6s (3d.