WHARF DEMONSTRATION

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20668, 13 September 1930, Page 15

WHARF DEMONSTRATION

PRIME MINISTER'S FAREWELL

SEQUEL IN THE POLICE COURT.

three leaders charged.

A sequel to the demonstration of unemployed on Prince's Wharf on tlic day of tho doparturo for England of the Prime Minister, the Hon. 0. W. Forbes, took in the Police Court yesterday, when Philip Gordon Brazier, George Budd and William Murphy, described by the police as members of (lie Communist Party, wore charged with behaving in a disorderly manner in a public place. All three pleaded not, guilty. Constablo Chalcroft, who was on duty at the gangway of the Aorangi on August 26, said that while tho Prime Minister was being farewelled a large crowd of unemployed marched up. The accused Murphy was at tho head of tho procession carrying a banner.

On arrival at tho barrier Murphy mounted a soap box and started to address tho crowd on tho wharf. Witcess told hiin not to make a speech and after some argument ho stopped. Incited by tho accused a rush was made on tho barrier and Brazier, Murphy and others got, through, but were ejected. Murphy said many of tho crowd did not havo pluck enough to msh tho barrier They had como to seo the Friino Minister, who should bo pulled off the ship. Communists From Abroad.

Corroborative evidonco v;is given by Detective Nalder, who said there were about 100 unemployed 011 tlio wharf. A rush was made on tho barrier, and although Budd wa.4 unsncccssfnl in getting through lie certainly was inciting the crowd. Tho leaders were tho threo accused, whoso behaviour was most disorderly. They wero all members of tho Communist Party and none of tliein workod. Budd bad been hero threo or lour years. Brazier stowed away from .Australia, and Murphy camo from England under the Flock llouso scheme. Murphy: I did not. The Magistrate, Mr. F. K. Hunt: That is a good thing. Continuing, Detective Nalder said Budd was on© of the founders of the unemployed organisation, and wijness had never known him do any work.

Tn the opinion of Detective Moore the Recused wore extremely disorderly and there was danger of people being pushed off the wharf by tho crowd

Tho Magistrate (to tho accused): There is no doubt that to a certain extent you •were disorderly, but I think the ends of justice will bo met if I convict you and order you to como up for sentence if called upon. These meetings are dangerous on places like wharves.

Union ol Unemployed,

A charge of being idle and disorderly and with having insufficient lawful means of support was also preferred against Brazier, who pleaded not guilty. Detective Moore said ho had repeatedly •warned the accused to make some attempt to get work. Last month lie was offered work on a farm, but he said 25s a week would not suit him and ho declined the offer. He had been living at the Auckland City Mission's "doss" house and was still obtaining free meals at the Manna House.

The Accused: I am working at present. Tho Union of Unemployed and Casual Workers' is paying nie a or organisation work. "I have known him since June, and he has done no work to my knowledge," said Detective Nalder. Witness said the accused did little else but hold meetings to agitate tho unemployed. He came to New Zealand as a stowaway a short time ago, and tho so-called union consisted of accused and other agitators.

"You havo been in gaol on remand for three days, and I think you havo been punished enough," said the magistrate to accused, in ordering him to come up for sentenco if called upon. The magistrate added that it was quite time Brazier made #ii attempt to do some honest work.