SUFFRAGETTE METHODS,

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 14933, 5 March 1912, Page 7

SUFFRAGETTE METHODS,

POST OFFICE INCENDIARISM.

A NEW CLASS OF CRIME.* By Telegraph.— Prrms \naodtiion.— Copyright (ReoeiTed March 5. 12.50 a.m.) London, March 4. The newspapers, discussing the suffragette window-smashing raid, suggest that the conspiracy law enables the recovery of damages from the funds of the organisation directing the raid, and equally gives right of recovery against the chattels of the individual raiders. A suffragette was arrested on Sunday night for dropping on the floor of the telegraphic department of the General Post Office, London, a basket of blazing shavings saturated with paraffin. It is understood that this is the prelude for a series of organised attempts on post offices. WINDOW-SMASHING CHARGES. TWO MONTHS' IMPRISONMENT London, March 3. There is a great outcry against the suffragettes' window-smashing demonstration. The newspapers urge prosecution under the Conspiracy Act, giving heavy punishments. Mr. Fordham, a London magistrate, complains of the tendency to inflict light punishments. In sentencing Mrs. Pankhurst the magistrate said that the suffragettes brought the country into a state which would not be allowed in any civilised land. If the law were ineffective it must be amended. Mrs. Pankhurst was sentenced to two months' imprisonment, and several others to from 14 days' to two months. The majority of the persons arrested were remanded or committed for trial for doing damage of over £100 each.