"MOVE ON!"

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1222, 2 September 1911, Page 6

"MOVE ON!"

SOCIALISTS AND SALVATIONISTS. CASES IN COURT. "THE POLICE ARE GOING TO KEEP THE STItEETS CLEAR." Two eases arising out of recent street episodes which arc stilt fresh in tho public memory, were before Mr. W. G. Hiddell, 5.M.," yesterday morning. The Salvationists. David Angus Gunn was charged with remaining in one place in Dixon Street, on August 20, after being directed by the police to move on. Mr. A. Fair, who appeared for Gunn, said that tho Salvation Army were among tho first to recognise the necessity of obedience to the law. This matter had arisen out' of a misunderstanding. Tho Army had been holding their meetings in Dixon Street for years, and when the police officer had gone along they had thought; that they had a right to hold their ground in tho absence of other notification. Sub-Inspector Sheehan said that tho Army officer had Ijeen requested bv a sergeant' of police to move oil. There 'had been a very largo crowd collected—some 20) or MO people—and the street was blocked, leaving no room for anyone to pass. The sergeant had, therefore, quietly requested him to move on. The police did not wish to press for a heavy penalty; they simply wished it understood that people must not block the streets when tho police request them to disperse. His Worship said it was periectlv clear that—no matter what position the defendant thought lie held—when - the police asked him to move on they must have had somo good reason for'making tho request'. When the police asked a thing of this kind it is in the discharge of their duty. A nominal fine would be imposed. Tho defendant was fined ss. and ordered to pay tho Court costs, which amounted to Us. The Socialists. Robert Hogg, for whom Mr. P. ,T. O'Regan appeared, was charged with remaining in one place in Dixon Street on August 20 after being directed by tho police to movo on. Mr. O'Regan: "This is a similar ease 10 the last. Un his behalf I desire to say I will plead guilty, and with the indulgence of the Court I will make a simple explanation." Proceeding to explain-, Mr. O'Regan said that, like the "Salvation Army, tho Socialists had been in the habit of holding meetings in tho public street. A crowd had assembled on this Sunday night. Ilogg admitted that the police had told him to movo on, but although ho had the profoundest respect for the law, lie had not obeyed because-ho had thought that the Salvation Army v.-ero being allowed to remain. When ho had found that the Amy also had been moved on he had known that he was wrong, and regretted his action. As a law-abiding citizen lie was aware that these gatherings must bo subject to polic-o control. The large crowd was no doubt induced to attend by a statement in the press that some speaker had made a disloyal statement regarding King George. Neither Hogg nor any other member of the Socialist party had rnado such a statement. Beguiled by the Army's Example. Sub-Inspector Sheehan stated that wher Hogg had been requested to move on there had been about 1000 people congregated. Hogg had not been satisfied with speaking, but had had a platform erected to speak irom. lie .had been requested to take it away, but had refused to do so. ffis Worship was aware that 011 Hie two previous Sundays there had been a lot of disorder in the streets. They did not want a heavy penalty, but wanted Hogg and other people who were anxious to spcnl; to know that the police were going to take a stand to keep the streets clear, and_ that theso permits were subject to police contra'. They also wished to protect property. Tho. disorder oji the two previons Sundays had been of such a nature that they had had fears for tho safety of property, but, fortunately, nothing had happened. Mr. O'Regan: Might I be allowed to state that he was entirely influenced by the impression that the Army was allowed to stay. The crowd was there because of the statement; in the papers. No one is more desirous of obeying tho law than Mr. Tfngg is." Sub-Tnspector Sheehan: "I pointed out !hat we don't want a heavy penalty— simply that we. aro going to keep tho struts | Mr. o'T\<><rjin: "T understand-that." j His Worship: The same penalty will bo imposed. Although they are only nominal, they must serve as a warning to other persons. Those who take upon thnms-dvos to address meetings in public places where traffic gO"s and where people congregate must rot refuse to obey the orders of the police. The position is dangerous. and either meetings must bo stooped or the crowd must move on. Hoeg was then eharced with acting in a manner which induced peoplo to engregato so as to impede the traffic. The charge was withdrawn lat the suggestion of tho police. The Lamp-bearer "Brought Up. Thomas Eagle, also, was charged with not moving on, and with acting so as to induce people to congregate and imuedo the traffic. Eagle at first pleaded not guilty, but subsequently pleaded guilty, and said 110 would mako an explanation. Sub-Inspector Sheehan said that tho position was exactly tho same as in tho case against Hogg, and occurred at tho same time. His Worship: Are you prepared to giro the samo assurance? Eagle: Yes; under conditions fair to both sides. I was simply holding tho light, and there was no disorder at this meeting. His Worship: Yes; but you must not go into details. If tho police say you must movo on, I take it (if you give an assurance), you will be willing to move on. "Yes; but your Worship will agree with mo " ■ "I will agree with nothing. There is 110 need for you to say anything." A fine of os., with 9s. costs, was made. Sub-Inspector Sheehan: I wish to withdraw the second charge, as in the case against Hogg, just to show these people that tho polieo only want to insist on their right to keep the streets clear. Dixon Street Permits Cancelled. Inspector Ellis'on informed tho press yesterday that all permits for speaking 111 Dixon Street have been cancelled.