LOUD BLAST.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 91, 17 April 1936, Page 3

LOUD BLAST.

A NEWTON COMPLAINT

BROADCAST IN STREET.

JEHOVA'S WITNESS MEETING,

Whether or not a recent broadcast carried out from a vehicle near the intersection of Pitt and Beresford Streets, Newton, on Friday, February 21, by a religious sect known as Jehova's Witnesses, was a nuisance to those living nearby, was debated at length in .the Police Court this morning, when Leonard Vincent Rowe was charged on summons witfc disturbing the peacc and quiet ot persons on that date. Defendant, for whom Mr. A. R. Graham appeared, pleaded not guilty. Sergeant Brenchley said that as tlie result of a complaint made to him lie went to Beresford Street at 0.30 p.m. on February 21 and there found a loud speaker in operation from a motor car. Defendant told witness that it was an electrical transcription machine which broadcast records. "It was a. religious talk broadcast by the sect known as Jehovah's Witnesses," said the sergeant. "It was an exceptionally loud American record that I heard. This is the first complaint received by the police? —Yes. Sydney Herbert Hoskings, who lived in a Beresford Street apartment house with his wife and child of seven, said ho had been disturbed from sleep because of the loud-speaker which kept on blaring away until 11 p.m. A week or bo before the lecture broadcast on tlie loud-speaker did not finish until Mr. submitted that the bylaw under which his client was charged must be interpreted reasonably. The defendant said they had only broadcast lectures by Judge Rutherforu on three occasions. On the first two lie had been asked to come back, as the broadcasts were so much appreciated. When it was suggested that they should close down, the audience asked him to continue. He had no desire to cause anyone any nuisance. The ftrst night's broadcast did not extend beyond 10.43 p.m. Two other witnesses who live nearby were called, both stating that they liked the broadcasts, and could not complain about them.

"No one wishes to interfere with the religion or ideas of any person, but it is the time this should be imparted that is the question," said Mr. L. S. Rickerby, the presiding J.P. "I think the ends of justice will be met if defendant is convicted and ordered to pay costs, provided he gives an undertaking to stop his broadcasts by at least 9.30 p.m."

Counsel said the defendant would undertake to do this.