Advocates of Russia

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6619, 4 August 1931, Page 7

Advocates of Russia

PARTICIPANTS IN STREET DISTURBANCE REMANDED. Per Press Association. CHRISTCHURCH, Aug. 3. The police version of disorderly street scenes which occurred on Saturday, was given before Mr E. D. Mosley, S.M., to-day, when John Stephen MeKegney (28), Henry Drayton Davies Dodge (22), Charles Francis Riley (37) and George Christopher Harris (31), all described as labourers, appeared on various charges, including charges against MeKegncy and Dodge of inciting to lawlessness. The accused were remand till to-morrow. Tho police said that the object of the demonstration was not merely anti-war, but to advocate the claims of Russia against the claims of Britain. Tho four men who appeared in the. Court this morning iu connection with Saturday’s disorderly scenes pleaded not guilty. The police said that an application from the Anti-war Movement to hold a procession was refused by the City Council. The procession, however, began at the railway station, where police officers warned the leaders that if it took place a prosecution woo'd follow'. A man named McKay, a prc-.-inent Communist, at first tried to speak, and then Marshall, another Communist, tried to mount a chair, but Sergeant Leckie pulled it away. Some of the crowd closed in and became hostile. The first baton was seen in the hands of Riley. It was a heavy one, painted red. Constable Phillips, who had taken no apart in tho proceedings, was struck on | the head and knocked down. After that the police drew their batons and used them. John McKcgney was arrested. After the procession, in defiance of the authorities, marched to the Square. The police were reinforced and Henry Dodge and Charles Riley were arrested. Harris was arrested in Victoria Square. It was stated by several of those in the crowd that when on the ground Constable Philips was kicked by a woman. Sergeant Hyland was hit in the face by one of the banners. The whole thing was an ugly scene. On one banner wore the words: “Support the Soviet Russia, the Workers’ State.” Bail was allowed McKcgney, Dodge and Riley, in self £2OO, and two sureties.