FOOTPATH OBSTRUCTED.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19386, 22 July 1926, Page 13

FOOTPATH OBSTRUCTED.

NOTICES OUTSIDE SHOP. CONVICTION OF CHEMIST. "The obstruction occurs daily and has become a chronic affair now," said Sergeant McLityre in tho Police Court yesterday in connection with two charges against Harold Schmidt, chemist (Mr. Finlay), of exhibiting notice-boards and placards outside his premises at 268, Queen Street, thereby causing the collection of persons and obstruction to pedestrian traffic. Sergeant Molntyre . said he had observed the congestion caused by people gathering round the window of defendant's shop. He had repeatedly been forced to move the crowd on. There were sometimes only two or three people, but at other times they extended halfway across the footpath. In a written statement read by Sergeant Mclntyre Schmidt said the notices were posted within tho bounds of his property and all were of public interest. Being a candidate in public elections he considered his shop the best place from which to impart tne value of his public sentiments. Political news was just as much a part of his business as notices outside the Town Hall, the newspaper offices or the displays in the various business establishments. There was more obstruction caused in other parts of the city. His notices did not seriously affect pedestrian traffic. The Magistrate, Mr. Hunt: They are placed there ip his own interest, because he says politics are part of his business. Mr." Finlay said defendant had been exhibiting public pronouncements for a considerable number of years, and they antedated any advent of his into public affairs. The placards had contained criticisms of municipal politics and undertakings, and defendant was under the impression that he had some license to do so if he acted for the public benefit. "I have had to tell him, although he has been rather reluctant to take tho advice, that even if the newspapers cause obstruction they are liable. I think someone has given him erroneous advice at some time." The Magistrate: 1 think so too. Will he undertake to remove the notices? Mr. Finlay: Oh, yes. The Magistrate: Well, I will impose a nominal fine of £1 on one charge and convict him and order him to come up for sentence on the other. That will stop these things going up. Defendant: Your Worship, I would rather take the alternative — Tho Magistrate: I would rather hear from your solicitor. What is it Mr. Finlay ? Mr. Finlay: That is all right, sir.