TWO MEN CHARGED.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 153, 29 June 1940, Page 11

TWO MEN CHARGED.

ALLEGED SUBVERSION. Two men were charged in the Police Court yesterday afternoon with publishing a subversive statement in a speech delivered during the recent Auckland by-election. They were Ron Hurd and Roy Stanley. Both pleaded not guilty. The magistrate, Mr. F. H. Lcvien. held that certain of Huid's remarks, made when he addressed about 50 persons at a meeting at the corner of England and Ireland Streets on April 30. were subversive. Remarking that Hurd was at present serving a sentence for a similar offence, Mr. Levicn convicted him without further penalty. Evidence was given that. Stanley addressed between 100 and ISO people in th l Purl Hall, Jervois Road, on May :>. Appearing for Stanley. Mr. F. M - Carthy submitted that defendant should not be convicted, and said the regulations under which Stanley was charged were meant to cover more serious matters and not a political speech as Stanley had made. Counsel also said that distinction should be drawn between a political speech and the publication of a pamphlet. The number of persons likely to be affected by a speech was very limited. Mr. Levien said he would consider the matter and give his decision on Monday.