Communist Gaoled For Distributing Subversive Leaflets

Northern Advocate, 28 May 1940, Page 7

Communist Gaoled For Distributing Subversive Leaflets

1 Per Press Association Copyright .l INVERCARGILL, This Day. A railway carpenter, John Edward Lawrence. 32, appeared before Mr Justice Kennedy in the Supreme Court yesterday for sentence on two charges of distributing subversive leaflets. He also pleaded guilty to two charges of publishing these leaflets. Lawrence was sentenced to six months' imprisonment with hard labour on the two charges of publishing, and he was convicted on the charges of distributing, the sentences to lie concurrent. When asked if he had anything to say, prisoner stated that he had always been a supporter of home defence. He had been a member of the Territorial Force, but he did not agree with, the Government’s policy of sending men overseas. In Touch With Russia. The Crown Prosecutor (Mr Mac Alister) said Lawrence had worked in the railway workshops at Petone, Otahuhu, Addington and Invercargill. He was a good worker, and a man of sober habits. He had been a member of the Communist Party for several years, and had been in direct communication with Russia before the war. He was secretary of the local branch of the Communists. “While this whole Empire is at war with a cruel enemy, who has no respect for women and children, and while men are pouring out the treasure of their lives to defend them and you and me, you are going about in peace trying to dissuade others from doing their duty,” said Mr Justice Kennedy. Unpardonable. “You Have been distributing pamphlets intended to exhibt their folly of being the dupes of those who stay al home. “This is something no country will tolerate at such a time. “At no time would it be tolerated in the country you profess to admire, where your punishment would be quick and final. “Speaking for myself, if there be a j repetition or other need, I will not j hesitate fully to avail myself of dc-j teirent punishment* to the maximum, which is not excessive.”