A DISHONEST PROHIBITIONIST.

Auckland Star, Volume LV, Issue 306, 26 December 1924, Page 5

A DISHONEST PROHIBITIONIST.

» SHORT PERIOD IN GAOL. REABREST ON HIS RELEASE. FURTHER CHARGES PENDING. (By Cable.— I'rcsa A.-sndaiiuu.—Copyright.) '!;•■■ ■ ircil i_! norm.) \ i:\V O|;K, December _!.">. As ( ; : ,. r.-il: of powerful ihurdi influence-. William Amlersuu, formerly euperiiitrii.lcnt >>i the Anli-Sialnnn League h.is 1 n released from j_:iol , after umlrrjii/ii>g "iuc months" imprisonment. Anderson .mi Ir-j.j. ir i otlUide the prison null's, was ro-ui rested, pursuant to bench variants eluirginji him with larceny mid extort iun. His friends will undoubtedly furnish bail to secure h<B temporary' liberty. Members of the Anti-Saloon L<-ii;_;ii(. express confidctve that the liirri'iiy and extortion charges will be speedily dismissed, asserting that much evidence in these matters was adduced during the forgery trial. Nevertheless it is scarcely expected that Anderson will ever return to Ant.'rSaloon work, since it is known that one of the factors influencing his parole was a promise never to return to tlie work of that organisation. Anderson further promised to cease his attacks on the courts and prosecuting officers in connection with his conviction. Never-. thdoss it is reported the Anti-Saloon League has offered to re-employ Andereon, deeming his aggressive (often vitriolic) methods particularly effective in promoting the prohibitionist ideal. Anti-Saloon officials declined to confirm or deny the oiler, but one official gave an inferential opinion saying the present board of the League is composed of honest men and will deal with the problem as honest men and Christians. — (A. and N.Z. Cable.) Anderson wns convicted in the third degree of forgery and splitting commissions with the former league fund solicitor, and sentenced to "between two and three" years' imprisonment. The decision was arrived at after a long fought and bitterly contested legal battle wherein famous counsel defended him, and prominent clergy testified concerning his integrity. The jury deliberated three hours. Defendant's counsel summoned hundreds of witnesses, including the respective clergymen who had helped to support Anderson anrl Anderson's chief. The cry was that the enemies of prohibition had planned and Bnccessfully executed his downfall. Elderly clergymen whom the prosecution cross-examined, declared with tears in their eyes, after strong and incontrovertible evidence against the defendant was adduced, that they believed heart and soul in him.