FOUL BROOD OF NOXIOUS REPTILES!
Communists Gaoled
MAGISTRATE’S SWEEPING
COMMENT,
Strong condemnation o£ the activities and aspirations of the ringleaders of the “New Zealand Communist Party” was expressed, by Mr J. W. Poynton, S.M., at Auckland last week, when the president of the organisation, Oswald Bourbeau, and the general secretary, Evan John Thomas, were charged with having sold a book entitled, “The A.B.C. of Communism,” which was calculated to encourage lawlessness and violence. Two separate offences were alleged against Bourbeau, liis associate appearing on a single charge. Bourbeau, a fantastic-looking man, of foreign extraction, pleaded not guilty, and punctuated his remarks with considerable gesticulation. His companion, by contrast, a mild-man-nered man who answered promptly to the universal title of “Comrade” also denied that he advocated lawless principles. , Constable Wilson said that on November 23, he purchased the ‘A.B.C. of Communism” and "Money Power” for 5/. He received the books from Bourbeau, and paid the ctveii to Thomas.
“Every Page is the Same.”
Chief Detective Cummings drew Mr Poynton’s attention to several passages in ‘-The A.B.C. of Communism,” \yhich were obviously encouraging Violence against established authority. Bourbcau scanned a copy of the book hurriedly and inquired, “What pages?” . Mr Cummings: Every page m the book is the same. Bourbeau said that he had sold the book and that Thomas was not concerned. Mr Poynton: You were both working together, and were jointly responsible.
Detective Nalden said that he purchased a copy of “The A.B.C. of Communism” from Bourbeau on December 7. Bourbeau (boastfully'): I have sold 1100 copies in New Zealand. Mr Poynton: It seems to be a lawless book. Defendant entered the witness box and declared that the book did not advocate violence. Mr Poynton: Can you prove that it is an innocuous little tract? Bourbeau (excitedly): Noxious little tract. No, no, that is not fair; it is not noxious. Text Book of Communists. When the magistrate explained the import of his remark, Bourbeau continued volubly and asserted that the book was the text-book of Communists all over the world. Mr Poynton: We don’t want a speech. This Court is a fountain, not a sewer. We are not concerned with the claims of Bolshevism. Can you show-that that is a little “lamb” of a book? I see you claim that it is suitable for an elementary course in the Communist schools. Accused: I believe that, too. Worse things have appeared in the “Herald” and “Star” than in this fine little book. I am the editor of the ‘“Communist Weekly,” but I suppose I will be in chokey yet. Mr Poynton: (quoting from the book): “Turn your weapons on your oppressors.” Can you reconcile that with peace? It is inconsistent with democratic belief, and advocates murder and bloodshed. Accused: That is only your interpretation. Mr Poynton: The book also say's much about “merciless suppression"’ of your enemies. Bourbeau launched into a torrent of garbled explanation of his views, and was warned by Mr Poynton that he would bo ejected from the witnessbox if he persisted. After presenting the magistrate with an armful nf literature, Bourbeau left the witness box, reiterating the innocence of his policy. Thomas in the Witness Box. Thomas replaced Bourbeau in the witness box, and commenced by drawing comparisons between ancient class revolutions and present conditions. Mr Paynton: We want to hear about that book. It is an appeal to violence. Accused: No, it is a scientific analysis of the Capitalist system and society. Mr Poynton; Can you show me one single paragraph which advocated the use of peaceful methods? —Yes, plenty. After a lengthy search, accused triumphantly read a few lines. Mr Poynton: Continue. Accused, quoting from the book: “Organise the people and lead them into the fight.” Mr Poynton,; Exactly, the light!
After a further search, .Mr Poynton remarked: •'“! think we will have to count you out, Thomas. Here we have the words; ‘The task of the working' class consists of the merciless suppression of their opponents.’ Your party advocates violence, or you would not import this rubbish! This poison!! Can you find a paragraph?” Bourbeau: Yes, yes. I’ll show you one.
Thomas searched again, but did not submit a further extract.
Mr Poynton: What do you want a Red army in New Zealand for? Thomas: The worker will rule the country for the good of humanity. Mr Poynton: Drop that nonsense. Cross-examined by the chief-detec-tive., Thomas admitted having been fined £25 for distributing Communist literature. “NoxlOus Individuals.”
Mr Poynton: “The book is a longsustained shriek of the usual Bolshevik pitch. It might have been written by a homicidal manaic, so many are its Incitements to violence and threats of massacre. The ’brotherhood of man,’ so much mouthed about by those exponents of the doctrine, must be of the cannibalistic variety—a longing for another missionary—the fatter the better.” Experience, continued the magistrate, had shown that such polsor acted like strong drink on savage or ill-balanced minds. “A rabid animal,” he said, “is not so dangerous as a man spreading venom of this description.” Britain, Mr Poynton continued, had long afforded a safe
asylum of the oppressed of all nations. Some of our best colonists were foreigners, but recently many of our guests appeared to bo bent on sowing discord, with the object of ultimately destroying us. The accused Bourbeau appeared to be one of these noxious individuals. After further remarks in this strain, Mr Poynton said: "How British communities will tolerate so longthis foul brood of noxious reptiles passes understanding. These are not cases for fines.” Bourbeau was sentenced to three months’ and Thomas to two months’ imprisonment.
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Bibliographic details
Manawatu Times, Volume LXIX, Issue 2564, 23 December 1924, Page 5
Word Count
932FOUL BROOD OF NOXIOUS REPTILES! Manawatu Times, Volume LXIX, Issue 2564, 23 December 1924, Page 5
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