“THE RED WORKER”

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXII, Issue 11661, 11 June 1932, Page 5

“THE RED WORKER”

HELD. TO EXPRESS SEDITIOUS INTENTION.

MAN CONVICTED' FOB POSSESSION OF JOURNAL

DECISION RESERVED IN

TWO. CASES,

ANOTHER, CHARGE PROCEEDING. (Press Association)

WELLINGTON,- June 10.

/ Although lie agreed that articles of the sort published in the Red Worker had to be viewed and intcr;preted in a lice, fair, and liberal spirit, Mr. E. Page, S.M., in the Police Court to-day said that alter carefully readiiig a copy of the paper dated April 20, 1932, he had comb to the conclusion that the articles contained in it expressed seditious intention. A conviction accordingly would he entered against William A. G. Lockhart' oh a charge of having in his possession for sale or distribution a copy of the Red Worker which expressed seditious intention and advised and encouraged lawlessness. • The question of penalty was reserved until the cases' pending against the other defendants had been, dealt with.

Questions concerning the printing and publishing of the Red Worker and also a pamphlet, “Strike Strategy and Tactics,” by name, also were inquired into- by the magistrate. Leslie Raymond McDowell and Richard Francis Griffin being charged with printing or publishing both documents. Griffin, who is a. bookseller, was further charged with selling the Red Worker, or having it in. his possession for sale: A. charge of printing or publishing “Strike Strategy and Tactics,” was made against John Joseph Robinson, and Alexander Galbraith was similarly charged in connection with two issues of tho Red Worker. • All pleaded not guilty.

After evidence concerning the (fitting of type and other details, the magistrate reserved decision <m the charge sugainst Robinson aiui Galbraith.

The hearing of tho charge against McDowell was then taken.

The defence was that McDowell was a compositor, and was not a printer of the documents, Counsel for tlio Crown staled that during the absence from "Wellington of Galbaritli, who was the registered proprietor, printer and publisher oi tlio “Red Worker” the paper was printed in April and May. The “Red Worker” was registered from 1929 until March 10, 1932, with Robinson named as proprietor, printer,. and publisher; trom that date Galbraith was registered. Counsel submitted that although Robinson and Galbraith were registered as proprietors, printers, and publishers, that was merely a cloak to cover the identity of the <real printers, who, lie alleged, were McDowell and Griffin. Although the registration of Robinson and Galbraith undoubtedly rendered them responsible for what was printed, McDowell and Griffin were also responsible. Police evidence was given of detectives calling at premises in Aivian street where a- printing press was installed. McDowell was tlieie weaving an apron and had ink and grease-stained .hands. He admitted selling the “Red Worker” on May Day. . Counsel for the defence submitted that there was not a tittle of evidence to show that- McDowell was the printer. , ~ Following, evidence given by me accused, the court adjourned until the following morning.