FURTHER REMAND.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 61, Issue 18, 1 November 1940, Page 3

FURTHER REMAND.

JEHOVAH’S WITNESS CASE. (Per Press Association). OAMARU, October 31. The injured man, who was still in hospital, was not yet out of danger, and it might be come weeks before he could appear in Court, said SeniorSergt. T. I. McGregor, in asking for a further remand, when William Meehan, aged 42, of Oamaru, appeared in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday. - Meehan was charged that on October 13 he attempted to murder Harry Frederick McAuley.

In asking for bail, Mr J. K. Farrell, who appeared for the accused, said that Meehan was employed by the Waitalci Electric Power Board, and Ins job was still waiting for him there. He said the occurrence had taken place at a meeting of the sect known as Jehovah’s Witnesses, and since then the Government had seen fit 10 place a ban on the organisation.

“Are you saying that there was some justification?” asked the Magistrate (Mr W. H. Bundle, S.M.). Mr Farrell replied that the Court could have taken into consideration the fact that meetings similar to the one held might take place, causing a disturbance. The Court had a discretion and might not see fit. to send the accused forward for trial, and if .he came before a Grand Jury a true bill might not be found on the charge ol attempted murder.

The accused was a decent and reasonable citizen and could go straight to work where be would be better employed as he might be a ; long time languishing in confinement before the preliminary hearing. The Magistrate said the facts were put before him on the last occasion, and he did not propose to grant hail.

A remand until November 13 was granted.