ALLEGATION OF SEDITION

Hawera Star, Volume LI, 30 May 1932, Page 4

ALLEGATION OF SEDITION

PASSAGES IN “BED WORKER.”

COURT DECISION RESERVED. (By Telegraph—Press Association. ) WELLINGTON, May 27.

Certain allegedly seditious passages in the issues of the "Bed Worker” on April 4 and 26 resulted in the appearance of Bichard Francis Griffin, Alexander Galbraith, Leslie Baymond McDowell, William Alexander George Lockhart and Edward Hogan'before Mr E. Page, S.M., in the Magistrate’s Court :to-day on charges involving breaches of the War Begulations. The cases against the three first-named were adjourned, and the only cases proceeded with to-day were those against Lockhart and Hogan, who were charged with selling or having in their possession for sale or distribution, copies of the “Bed. Worker,” which, it is alleged, express seditious intentions and advise and encourage lawlessness.

Opening the case for the prosecution, counsel for the Crown said Lockhart was seen outside the wharf gate Opposite Brandon Street. He had a bundle of “Bed Workers” dated April 26, and was selling them to men coming off the wharf. Counsel submitted that practically the whole of the document was seditious. In the first place it incited a removal of the Government by other than lawful means, and it promoted hostility between workers anu employers. Counsel for defendant said the charge did not appear to be a very serious one, but in reality it was a matter of great importance to a certain class of people in Xew Zealand. It was unfortunate under the circumstances that at the present time people who were charged with sedition were deprived of the rig-ht of trial by jury. He was confident, however, that the magistrate would judge the matter with thd same consideration as would be given by a jury. Counsel stated that the present position of the working classes in New Zealand necessitated the taking of a very decided political stain, to protect, their interests.

Mr Page intimated that he would take time to read the “Bed Worker,” and would consider authorities quoted by counsel before giving his decision. When the case against Hogan was called counsel said the same defence would apply in his case as in that of Lockhart.

Judgment was reserved. “Although this is only a vagrancy ease, I would ask that bail should be substantial,” said Sub-Inspector Ward, when Phillip Gordon Brazier, ex-Oom-munist, aged 25, who was charged with being idle and disorderly in that he had insufficient lawful means of support, asked for a remand in order to secure witnesses. The sub-inspector said that the police regarded Brazier as one of the dangerous agitators who were '-o----ing about endeavouring to cause disorder.

Mr Page granted a remand for a fortnight. He fixed bail at £l5O, with one surety of £l5O.