EX-SOLDIERS INDIGNANT.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 219, 16 September 1930, Page 8

EX-SOLDIERS INDIGNANT.

DEAD COMRADE DEFENDED.

MUCH FEELING IN ROTORUA.

PUBLIC INQUIRY DEMANDED,

(From Our Own Correspondent.)

ROTORUA, Monday.

Very keen interest was shown in the meeting called by the Rotorua R.S.A., and held last night, to consider the magisterial strictures -passed upon Thomas Henry Hulton in the action for slander brought against him last month. Hte was sued by Mr. Colin David Smith, of Kawaha Point, Rotorua, for £300 damages for. false and malicious statements, and the magistrate awarded the plaintiff £220. Shortly after the magistrate's finding in the case Hulton collapsed and died. 1

The Majestic Theatre, which seats 800 or 900 people, was crowded to the doors. The chair was occupied by the Mayor, Mr. T. Jackson, who made it clcar that he was not in any way officially associated with the calling of the meeting. He said that if there had occurrcd a miscarriage of justice—and accidents did happen—there was generally a constitutional method of securing a remedy. Whether the resolution to be moved was a constitutional remedy it was for the audience to say.

The president of the Rotorua Returned Soldiers' Association, Mr. Martin, assured the meeting that the executive had given the question most careful consideration, and they had conic to the conclusion that some unnecessarily harsh statements had been made.

"The Association's Duty." Major R. Dancey declared that the Rotorua R.S.A. was held in high esteem by the citizens, and they were jealous ot' that reputation. If the association had not taken up the case and called the meeting they might just as well have quit business. It was their duty to try and remove some of the stigma cast upon the family and eight sous of their dead comrade. While the association did not question the verdict or the damages awarded, they did object to the Utterances of the magistrate. Those who knew Mr. Hulton knew that the cap did not fit. (Cries of "No!") He had been 20 years amongst them a'nd was that an indication of his character? (Voices: "No!") Was it' possible for him to be what the magistrate had called him? He had been looked upon as a perfect gentleman and how could he in one afternoon have become what the magistrate called him? He could not possibly have gulled the people all that time.-

The resolutio'n (published in yesterday's "Star") protesting against the magistrate's remarks, and requesting the Minister of Justice to institute a public inquiry, and expressing appreciation of Mr. Hulton's war service and conduct as a citizen, was then moved.

Tribute to Hulton's Character.

Major W. Sumner said he had been 19 years in Rotorua, and during that time had close association with, -all sports. In tennis Mr. Hulton was their best exponent and recognised by all as a good sport. He was a good golf xlayer and a clever footballer and as a chess player he was the best in Rotorua, if not in New Zealand. Could he have played those games' if he had had a drugged mind? As a soldier lie was one of the first to enter Jaffa, and for that he had received a medal and appointment to the Intelligence Service;

Mr. E. T. Johnson, a member of the borough council, said he had known Mr. Hulton for 20 years, a'nd had found him anything biit What the magistrate had described him. He thought it very unfair that a man who had been a sportsman and a soldier in South Africa and the Great War should be alluded to in such a manner. "I know there are many in Rotorua who feel the same as I do," he declared, amidst applause, "and it's a pity they have 'not the insides to come up here and express themselves."

The Mayor then carefully read the resolution and said lie hoped that they all understood its purport and gravity. He called for a show of hands in favour of the motion, and the response was such that lie declared it carried unanimously.