MAGISTRATE’S COURT

Hokitika Guardian, 11 December 1940, Page 6

MAGISTRATE’S COURT

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11. (Before G. G. Chesholm Esq., S-M.) A Charge Dismissed. Henry Janies Lovett was charged with:—(l) Using his dwelling house at Harihari for the purposes of a subversive organisation known as Jehovahs Witnesses f on the 22nd November. (2) Participating in the activities of a subversive organisation known as Jehovahs Witnesses on or about the 22nd November, at Harihari. Constable George in evidence, said that lie interviewed the defendant at his home on the 4th November and told him tho organisation had been declared illegal. He was told that as a warning. Levett said he knew. He admitted having literature but would not hand it over. On the 15th November witness again saw him and asked him to hand over the literature. He said he would not abandon his activities. A search warrant was executed and about 40 pamphlets taken possession of; also sonie double sided records of addresses by Judge Rutherford. Prior to the organisation being declared subversive the defendant had ter about two years being distributing the literature. It was edited by Judge Rutherford. Ho said it would make no difference to Him that the organisation had been declared illegal. He said he did not know whether he could continue as it depended on whether he could get supplies of books. Lovett lives with his wife and has a. child of school .age. Cross-examined by the defendant. Constable George said he did not remember being given a book on the occasion of his first visit. Tt is common knowledge that he hold meetings in his house , but he could bring no evidence that the meeting had been held since the organisation h a( i been declared illegal. This concluded the ease for the Police. Tho Magistrate said there was insuffb cient evidence to call on the defendant. There was no evidencethat he had literature in his possession Or that meetings were held after the organisation was declared illegal. There was no evidence of any activity and both informations must be dismissed. •• •■, ; /." < • Debt. Cases. Judgment for plaintiff, by default wa: given in the following cas6s-:—. , W. H/ A. Stopforth v. diaries lefts, £2/10/- and costs 23/6, a' ' Ken W. Reece v. M;‘a.'McAhliffe r £i 1/11 and costs 23/6. • , ALLEGED THEFT _ : Tlie Police charged John William George Bergmapn that, on. 30th. August, at Kanieri, lie did steal one motorcar wheel and motor tyre, valued at £7, the property of Allan Douglas Ilowat; and that on 23rd. July, a| v Hokitika, lie did steal one motor-car wheel and one motor tyre, valued at £5, the property of John Thomson. i Mr Elcock appeared for defendant who pleaded not guilty and elected not to be dealt with summarily. ' Lengthy evidence’ was. taken and the hearing was not concluded when the Court adjourned for lunch.