JOHNSON FOR GAOL.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 249, 20 October 1928, Page 9

JOHNSON FOR GAOL.

Extremist Leader's Appeal

Fails.

SIX MONTHS' SENTENCE.

SYDNEY, October 19.

The appeal of Jacob Johnson, exsecretary of the Seamen's Union, against his conviction on a charge of attempting to intimidate seamen was to-day dismissed by Mr. Justice Cohen.

His Honor said that, beyond all reasonable doubt, Johnson was guilty. He ordered him to pay the costs of the appeal and to serve a sentence of six months' imprisonment.

Johnson was conveyed to Long Bay gaol. He was cheered by a number of seamen as he was taken away. He authorised his solicitor to say he intended to appeal to a higher Court.

Inquiries in union circles elicit the fact that there is no likelihood of further maritime trouble following upon Johnson's incarceration. The supporters of the secretary, Mr. Tom Walsh, intend to begin to clean up the union immediately.

Jacob Johnson was charged with hindering inter-State commerce, and attempting to induce men to leave their employment by means of intimidation. These were the firemen who arrived at Sydney in a ship manned by a crew who had agreed to do t ' l hout cooks. The prosecution alleged that Johnson became vituperative, and told the men that if they did not leave the ship, bags of ashes would conveniently fall from the hoists. Johnson was found guilty and sentenced to six months' imprimonent. Notice of appeal was lodged.