STREET INCIDENT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21912, 22 September 1934, Page 14

STREET INCIDENT

cire bemonstbation PROSECUTIONS FOLLOW t YOUNG LABOURER FINED OTHER PERSONS CHARGED The unemployed demonstration held 5n Queen Street last Saturday morning had a sequel in the Police Court yesterday, when three men and one woman were charged separately before Mr. W. R. McKean/s.M. A plea of not guilty was entered by Rlichard Warold Brown, aged 26, labourer, to charges of wilfully obstructing Inspector G. 13. Edwards in the lawful execution of his duty, and with behaving in a disorderly manner in Welleslev Street est. Inspector Edwards, in evidence, said he was on duty in Queen Street, where he saw the accused among those taking part in a procession. Opposite the Regent Theatre, where the procession had been prevented from continuing to the Town Hall, he saw the accused, who was with several others, and aeard him shouting out, "To the lown Hall," "The unemployed are utarving," and other references to the lakapuna men and the Hobsonville air base. Witness spoke to the accused four or five times and told him that if he did not desist he would be placed tinder arrest. Accused had not done so and had shouted out, "If they won't let us go to the Town Hall, we wll go to the Trades Hall." Accused said he had walked up and down the footpath in Queen Str<«t in an orderly manner without causing any obstruction. The only words lie had used to tho crowd were, "Mass meeting, Trades Hall."

The magistrate said the unemployed had grievances, but they could ventilate them in the proper way. The police had a duty to perform and at the time they were trying to carry out that duty. The evidence of the prosecution had not been contradicted. Accused would be fined £2 on the charge of obstruction, and £1 on the other charge. y Accused said it was not possible for him to pay the fines,-as he was a relief worker. Default was fixed at 14 days' and seven days' imprisonment respectively on the two charges. With Francis Mary Martinovich, Thomas Stanley and Lewis Williams, Brown was charged with taking part in a proc*»ssion without having obtained a permit. This charge, which was preferred separately in each case, the magistrate said he would adjourn until the question of the validity of the by"law had been determined. The woman accuse,!, Stanley and Williams were I also charged with obstructing, the hearing in each case being adjourned until Friday.

ANOTHER UAH CHARGED

CONVICTION ENTERED

\ Charges of using indecent language in Wellesley Street Wes>t and with behaving: in a threatening manner were " preferred in the Police Court yesterday against Albert Cameron, ag<d 63, printer (Mr. Elwarth). Inspector Edwards said that while I the accused was not connected with those who instigated the procession in the city last Saturday, he had usisd indecent language and behaved in a threatening manner. Had he accomplished his threat, it was possible that an ugly scene would have been created. Counsel said accused was a relief worker with a large family. He had been out of worjc for the past three and alfcalf years, and, gathering that the procession Was advocating lielter -conditions, he had naturally supported it on account of his own position. He was not antagonistic to the police, whom he respected. Accused was convicted and ordered jto c6me up for sentence within six ' months if called upon.