CASE FOR FINES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18897, 20 December 1924, Page 14

CASE FOR FINES.

SELLING COMMUNISTIC BOOK. INCITEMENT TO VIOLENCE. TWO MEN SENT TO GAOL. MAGISTRATE'S STRONG REMARKS Strong condemnation of the activities and aspirations of the ringleaders of the " New Zealand Communist Party" was expressed by Mr. J. W. Poynton, S.M., yesterday when the president of the organisation, Oswald Bourbeau, and tho general secretary, Evan John Ti.mnas, 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 uileged against Bourbeau, his associate appearing on a single charge. Bourbeau, a fanatical-looking man, of foreign extraction, pleaded not guilty, and punctuated his remarks with considerable gesticulation. His companion, by contrast, a mild-mannered 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 " Tho A.B.C. of Communism " and " Money Power " for ss. He received the books from Bourbeau, and paid the .cash to Thomas. " Eve;ry Page is the Same." Chief-Detective Cummings drew Mr. Povnton's attention to several passages in "The A.B.C. of Communism," which were .obviously encouraging violence against established authority. Bourbeau scauned a copy of the book hurriedly and inquired, What pages Mr. Cummings: Every pago in 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 bo 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 Bool; of Communists. When the magistrate explained the import of his remark, Bourbeau continued volubly and asserted that tho 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 vou claim that it is suitable for an elementary course in the Communist schools. Accused: I believe that, too. Worse things have appeared in the HehalT) • and Star than in this fine little book. lam the editor of tho Communis* Weekly, but I suppose I will bo in " chokey" vet. * Mr. .Poynton (quoting from tho 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: Tho book also says much about' "merciless suppression" of your enemies. , Bourbeau launched into a torrent.of garbled explanation of his views, and wa3 warned by Mr. Poynton that he v.- aid be ejected from tho witness box it ho persisted. •. - After presenting the magistrate with an armful of 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 drawuig comparisons between ancient class revolutions and present conditions. Mr. Poynton: We want to hear about th.it 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 tho book: "Organise the people and lead them into tho fight." . Mr. Poynton: Exactly, the fight; After a further long search, Mr. Poynton remarked: "I think wo will have to count vou out, Thomas. Here we have the words:—'The task of tho work,ing class' consists of the merciless suppression of their opponents.' Your party advocates violence, or you would not import this rnbbish. 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 Bed Army in New Zealand for? Thomas: Tho workers will rule the country for the good of humanity. Mr. "Poynton : Drop that nonsense. Cross-questioned by the chief-detec-tive, Thomas admitted having been previously fined £25 for distributing Communist literature. "Noxious Individuals. Mr. Poynton: "Tha book is a long-sus-tained shriek of the usual Bolshevik pitch. It might have been written by a homicidal maniac, 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— longing for another missionary—the fatter the better.." Experience, continued tho magistrate, had shown that such poison acted like strong drink on savage or ill-balanced winds. ' 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 to the oppressed of all nations. Some of our best colonists were foreigners, but recently many of our guests appeared to be* 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 long this 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