BANNED LITERATURE

Evening Post, Volume CII, Issue 37, 12 August 1921, Page 7

BANNED LITERATURE

THREE YOUNG PEOPLE CHARGED.

Allegations of being in possession of banned literature were made against two young men and a young woman- before Mr. F. K. Hunt, S.M., at the Magistrate's Court this morning. ; * ■ William Blair was charged that on 12th June, 1921, he sold to Constable T. 0. Dawe "The Australian Communist," which encourages violence a«J lawlessness, contrary to War Regulation No. 4 or^Oth September, 1915. There were similar charges against Blair in respect to " The International Communist" and "Knowledg^ and Unity." George Wilkinson was accused of hay- ( ing, on 3rd July last, been found in possession of a prohibited newspaper, " Knowledge and Unity," and another prohibited publication,. " Inside Soviet Kussia." . • . Hedwic Weitzel, the female defendant, was charged with having sold to Con stable J. F. M'Kay, on 19th 'June last, " The Communist," which encourage:* violence. Acting-Chief Detective Andrews asked 'that the eases be adjourned until Friday next. In regard to Blair, Mt. Andrews said that* since the summons was served it transpired, that* defendant had endeavoured to leave the country. He obtained a steamer ticket under an assumed name, and was- fo.und aboard the Manuka on Tuesday last^ The police persuaded him to come^xisnorQ, and did so. Mr. An--1 drews suggested that Blair should enter into some bond that he would appear ■when the case against him was brought on next week. Blair explained that.he had business to attend to in Sydney. His Worship : " Your Sydney business can stand over for a little while. You /don't count. Tliis is an important business. You are liable to three months on this,charge. Do you want bail?" Accused: "I don't /think it is necessary." His Worship: "I think it is necessary. " Each, of the cases was adjourned, and Blair was ordered to enter into a recognisance, of £20 that ho would appear nest week. He was also ordered to report to tho police daily.