ARREST IN COURT

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20625, 28 November 1941, Page 4

ARREST IN COURT

MAN NOTE-TAKER ALLEGED PACIFIST WARNING TO WOMAN (Per Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, this day. Arrested during a sitting of the Magistrate’s Court yesterday, Lincoln Arthur Winstone EfTord was placed in the dock before Mr. A. A. McLachlan, S.M., charged that on November 27. at Christchurch, he committed wilful contempt in face of the Magistrate’s Court in that, not being an authorised person, he did take down reports in writing, which included notes of the magistrate’s remarks with comments thereon. EtTord, who pleaded not guilty, said that he did not know his position and he wanted to seek legaL advice in the matter. “I have always behaved myself in court, and I protest at the indignity of being arrested and searched like this,” said EfTord. Efford said he was in court as a member of the public. The magistrate: Are you a reporter for some newspaper?

EfTord: No, I am in court as a member of the public. , “Was there some other person in court taking notes?” asked the magistrate.

“Yes, Your Honour,” said a female voice from the back of the court.

The magistrate: You had better be .jointly charged. Legal Advice Wanted The magistrate, to EfTord: Do you deny making notes of my remarks? EfTord: I don’t know my position. I want to get legal advice before saying anything. “The case will be adjourned until to-morrow, bail being allowed in your own recognisance of £20,” said the magistrate. When EfTord had left the dock the magistrate asked to what society did EtTord belong.

Sub-Inspector E. T. C. Turner: Pacifist Society, sir. Detective M. R. Stewart said that EtTord had been attending sittings of the Appeal Board and had taken a keen interest in the proceedings.

“Bring in the young lady now. but do not formally charge her,” said the magistrate. When she was brought before the Bench, the magistrate asked: Are you a member of the Pacifist Society? “Yes, Your Honour,” was the reply.

Proud of it? —Very proud of it. The young woman said that she did not know she was not allowed to take notes.

“I have taken notes in Wellington for my own benefit in full sight of the magistrate and the police,” she added.

The magistrate: What do you propose to do with them? The woman: They may not even be transcribed. If they are transcribed 1 may not make any use of them, as I could not hear very well. “Well, you can go now, but don’t you come to court again taking notes.” said the magistrate.