ON PROBATION.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 60, Issue 250, 30 July 1940, Page 8

ON PROBATION.

SUBVERSIVE STATEMENT MADE.

(Per Press Association). AUCKLAND July 29. Arising out of a speech made by him as chairman at an election meeting of the Communist candidate for Auckland West on May 8 in the Renali Street Hall, Ponsonby, Douglas James Morey was charged before Mr Justice Fair and a jury in. the Supreme Court with having made a subversive statememt infringing the public safety regulations. Accused defended himself, and insisted that the charge against him should. include the whole text of his speech, and not merely excerpts. Accused requested .a, test of the shorthand reporter who took a note of his speech, Brian A. Snowdon. The jury to-night brought in a verdict of guilty after a long retirement. The jury added a- strong recommendation to mercy, on the ground that the expressions were uttered to a very small audience and during a political campaign.

His Honour said there wore factors which distinguished the case from a deliberate! attempt to influence a large public audience. Further, the situation was not SO’ serious then as it had since become. He released the prisoner on probation; for a term of three, years. He further required the accused to pay £25 toward the cost of tho prosecution within three months.