TWO COMMUNISTS SENT TO GAOL

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6620, 5 August 1931, Page 7

TWO COMMUNISTS SENT TO GAOL

Fines Also Inflicted

SEQUEL TO “BED DAY” IN CHRISTCHURCH

Per Press Association. CHRISTCHURCH, Aug. 4. As a result of Saturday’s disturbances Mr. Mosley, S.M., after hearing evidence, dismissed the charges of disorderly behaviour and insulting language against George Christopher Harris. Tho police said that Harris had been booing and had called out “Come on I” Ho had also called a sergeant “a mongrel.’’ Counsel for the dcfcnco said that Harris went to the railway station only out of curiosity and had not caused disorder. The Magistrate gave Harris the benefit of the doubt. Evidence was then heard in tho three other eases which were remanded from yesterday. Sergeant Hyland said he was rushed by the defendant McKegnev and while both were ou tho ground witness was kicked by another man. There was no doubt that McKcgney was fighting with Sergeant Leckio. Witness, to counsel, said he only drew his baton when he was kicked on the ground. He denied that the polico were “seeing rod,” and said that the arrests were justified, as tho situation was an ugly one. Sergeant Leckio said that Riley, another defendant, had a baton a foot long in his hand. 110 saw other men attacking Constable Phillips, who was on tho ground. Riley and Dodge, another defendant, wore arrested at Hereford street. Dodge then lay down and used his feet and his lists. Answering a question by counsel as to whether ho drew his baton before any disorder occurred, witness exclaimed: “It’s a lie!’’ Ho considered the trouble was started by the concerted action of Communists. Speaking on behalf of Riley, McKcgney and Dodge, counsel (Mr. Hunter) said nothing was done until the police attacked them with their batons. The police, he said, precipitated the trouble by drawing their batons, which was a sight that inflamed a British crowd. The Magistrate said there had been much contradictory evidence, but it was impossible for him to conclude that tho police officers, as had been alleged, had at the risk of their own lives incited the crowd to attack them. McKegney, on a charge of unlawfully resisting arrest, was sentenced to throe months’ hard labour. Dodge, for resisting arrest, was sentenced to two months’ hard, labour. Riley, McKegnev and Dodge were fined £5 each for disorderly behaviour, and Dodge and Riley £2 each for taking part in an unauthorised procession. The Magistrate held that the charges of inciting to lawlessness were proven, but ho said he did not wish to bo unnecessarily hard on tho men, who had boon punished for other offences. He dismissed tho informations, using Jiis discretionary powers under the Offenders Probation Act. Riley asked for time to pay the fine, but ho refused to accept the Magistrate’s condition that, if allowed a month, he should refrain in tho meantime from associating himself with lawlessness of a similar kind. Thereupon the Magistrate said that no time would be allowed. The line must be paid forthwith, in default two months’ imprisonment.