ALLEGED HAWKING

Dominion, Volume 27, Issue 35, 4 November 1933, Page 9

ALLEGED HAWKING

Members of Religious Society Charged SUNDAY ACTIVITIES By Telegraph.—Press Association. Nelson, November 3. A. case with most unusual features came before Mr. T. E. Maunsell, S.M., to-day when Frank Butt and Myra Ftijjpv Butt were charged with working at their calling of hawking books for sale in view of a public place ou a Sunday. Both pleaded not guilty. Senior-Sergeant Stark said defendants were two of a party touring m caravans as representatives of some religious society. Constable M. Lines stated that the defendant, Frank Butt, came to his place and displayed a number of books. Defendant said he was not giving the books away, but asked for a contribution, iu return for which witness would be given a book. Defenda it had asked if witness was not willing to help in the Lord’s work, witness replying that that was not the point. He expressed the opinion that defendant was committing a breach of the law by doing his business on Sunday. Defendant said he did not recognise Sunday, which had ended 2000 years ago. On witness saying he would report the matter, defendant became abusive. The male defendant, iu evidence, said he was a true and sincere, believer of Christ. He was a minister of the Gospel. He and others enjoyed their voluntary work for the society lie represented. It was their mission to go from home to home to preach the Gospel of the Kingdom. „ The Magistrate: “How do you live: —I have friends who help me. “What do you earn?"—l earn nothing. ... T . “What becomes of the money: —lt is all paid in to the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of 114 Street, New York. The Magistrate: This is becoming complicated. However worthy your motives you arc breaking the law. Why don't you confine your work to the other six days?—“Sunday is the best day? as the men are at home then, and it is to them we wish to preach the Gospel.” "Do you not recognise Sunday?”— Yes, of course we do. It is the Sabbath we do not recognise. His Worship suid that, looking at the matter from a mundane side, they jvere getting their food, etc., from grants from the society in return for their services. “It’s the most extraordinary case I’ve ever come across,” lie said. Addressing the sergeant, the magistrate asked: “Are they humbugs or tire they sincere, erroneous as they might be?” Sergeant Stark’s reply was that he considered them sincere. The magistrate said he did not intend to inflict a penalty, but defendants must stop Sunday activities. Asked If they would comply with that suggestion, neither would give an undertaking. “Well, the law must take its course,” said Mr. Maunsell. “I’m not going to allow you to defy the. law.” Defendant: The law was made for evil-doers. We are not evil-doers: we are preaching the Gospel as any other minister does on Sunday. Three times the magistrate asked if defendants intended to continue to defy the law. Op the’ final opportunity the defendant Frank Butt replied “No.” Both were convicted and fined 10/(costs. 11/6). Butt asked: “What is the alternative?” Mf. Maunsell: I’ll fix the alternative now if you wish. If you don’t pay the fine I’ll isspe a distress warrant on your van. On this intimation the defendants left the court.