THE NEW GUARD.

Press, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20450, 21 January 1932, Page 7

THE NEW GUARD.

PROSECUTION OF LEADER. INSULTS TO PREMIER ALLEGED. BLUNT STATEMENTS IN COURT. (UXITED I'RERS ASSOCIATION—BS ELXCTRIO' TELEUHAPH —COPYaiOUT.) (Received January 20th, 7.45 p.m.) SYDNEY, January 20., Colonel Eric Campbell, (tho leader of the New Guard) was again before tho Court to-day on a charge of using insulting words, A vast crowd fought for admission, but only a small percentage succeeded in getting in. Mr S. E. Lamb, K.C., the counsel appearing for Colonel Campbell, asked for a further adjournment, declaring that there had been insufficient time to prepare a defence worthy of such an occasion. Ho added that a vital principle was involved—the right of free speech, of every citizen to criticise the acts of a public man. "Wo aro entitled to show that the Premier of this State (Mr J. T. Lang) has disgraced his position in every way, has lowered its dignity, and injured its credit," he said. "He has worked to bring about a Communistic State, and above all has defaulted. Everybody knows this, but you as Magistrate do not know it." Criticism of Public Man. The Chief Stipendiary Magistrate (Mr Laidlaw): Assuming that your statements aro true, how would you be entitled to go into evidence to substantiate matters of that kind? Counsel: Most decidedly I would have that right. A public man has defaulted, and holds his position by false pretences. That being his character, wo have every right to criticise him just as numberless others are doing. Even Mr J. A. Lyons, tho Prime Minister, has described Mr Lang as 'an incubus.' Wc have likened hmi lo his own farm-yard bull. It may be an insult to the bull, but I do not think it is an insult to Mr Lang. Counsel pointed out that he also intended to submit that the summons was bad because it did not specifically state who had been insulted. Ho contended that the person insulted must be present at the time when the words complained of were used. . The Magistrate replied that it aid not seem necessary to prove to whom the remarks were insulting. Mr Lamb argued that if Mr Lang had been insulted then he should come forward so that he could be crossexamined. No offence had been committed unless someone had been insulted. Who was that someone? Adjournment Refused.

Continuing, Mr Lamb argued that overv word uttered concerning Mr Lang was justified. Indeed, far worse, tilings were being said about him by others, and he desired to bring evidence to this effect. The Magistrate refused an adjournment. . Mr Sheuhan, appearing ior the prosecution, said that the police had taken action for good reasons, which ho was not disclosing. He added that there was such a thing as the prevention of disorder when arrogant persons set themselves up in positions to which (hey had no right or title. Evidence was then taken. The polioe shorthand-writer, {sergeant Alexander Lendrum, detailed Colonel Campbell's speech at Lane Cove picture theatre on January 11th, m which ho had made many references to .Mr Lang. Witness described the utterances as insulting. During cross-examination, Sergeant Lendrum said he had not attempted to verify Colonel Campbell's statement thntjtho Premier was a scoundrel. He was also unconcerned whether Mr Lang was a defaulter, had broken his pledges, or had appointed scoundrels or criminals to the Public Service. The Magistrate suggested that Mr Lamb should be more careful regarding the words he used about the Premier of the State.

Mr Lamb: I shall bo very careful if I cannot prove my words. T submit that "scoundrel" is a very mild word in this case.

Mr Slieahan interposed: These cowardly attacks on the Premier should not ho tolerated in a British Court of Law.

After other similar exchanges the heariny was adjourned.

WAGES IN DIFFERENT STATES. DISCREPANCIES NOTED. SYDNEY, January 20. Mr J. A. Lyons (Prime Minister) at the conclusion of his visit to Sydney, in a speech, said the ridiculous discrepancies between wages and co ?\ ditions in the different States would not work. Wages varied from £3 3s a week of 48 hours in South Australia to £4 2s 6d a week of .44 hours in New South Wales. Mr Lyons told a deputation that the Commonwealth financial position made impossible the restoration of the invalid and old age pensions to the former level. SEAMEN'S DISPUTE. SHIPS RENDERED IDLE. ADELAIDE, January 20. Two ships are now idle as the result of the dispute between the Port Adelaide branch of the Seamen's Union and the Adelaide Steamship Company, namely, the Quorna and the Halpa. The crew of a third vessel has given notice.

MAN AND WIFE FOUND DEAD. (Received January 20th, 11.5 p.m.) MELBOURNE, January 20. David McKenzie, aged 56, and his wife Margaret, aged 53, were found dead in bed in a fashionable dwelling at Elwood. They had been shot in the head. It is believed to be a case of murder and suicide. A pistol was found at McKenzie's side which he had recently bought. The couple were in good financial circumstances and devoted to each other. The motive is a. mystery.