SIX MONTHS’ GAOL

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20257, 27 May 1940, Page 8

SIX MONTHS’ GAOL

COMMUNIST SUPPORTER SUBVERSIVE LEAFLETS (Per Press Association.) ’INVERCARGILL, this day. John Edward Lawrence, aged 32, a railways carpenter, appeared before Mr. Justice Kennedy, in the Supreme Court to-day for sentence on two charges of distributing subversive leaflets. He also pleaded guilty to two charges of publishing these leaflets. When asked if he had anything to say, he stated he had always been a supporter of home defence and had been a member of the territorials, but did not agree with the Government’s policy of sending men overseas. The Crown prosecutor, Mr. MacAlistcr stated that the accused was born in Hastings and educated at Mastertoh. He had .worked on the railways at Petone, Otahulni, Addington and Invercargill. He was a good worker of sober habits. He had been a member of the Communist Party for several years and had been in direct communication with Russia before the war and was secretary of the local branch of the Communists. “While this whole Empire is at war with a cruel enemy who has no respect for women and children, while men are pouring out the treasure of their lives to defend them and you and me, you are going about in peace trying to dissuade others from doing their duty,” said His Honour. “You have been distributing pamphlets intended to exhibit their folly of being the dupes of those who stay home.” “This is something no country can tolerate at such a time. At no time would it be tolerated in the country you profess to admire where your punishment would be quick and final.” “Speaking for myself, if there be a repetition or other need, I will not hesitate to fully avail myself of the deterrent punishment, the maximum of Which is not excessive,” The accused was sentenced to six months', hard labour on two charges of publishing subversive leaflets ana was convicted o" the charges of distributing them, the sentence is to be concurrent.