INCITING CROWD

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23103, 30 July 1938, Page 20

INCITING CROWD

% DISTURBANCE IN CITY ' HOTEL PORTER FINED £lO As a further sequel to the disturbance among a largo crowd at the corner of Queen Street and Customs Strc-et on May 14, a wine porter, Peter Charles Anna (Mr. Hubble), appeared before Mr.C. 11. Orr Walker, S.M., in the Police Court yesterday, charged with inciting persons to resist a constable in tlit; lawful execution of his duty. Accused pleaded guilty. Sub-Inspector Flanagan said the disturbance occurred as two constables were arresting two men for being drunk and disorderly. As one constable was leading the men away, he was attacked, and accused, who was formerly employed at n city hotel, appeared at an upstairs window facing the street and shouted: "Get into them; there are onlv two of thein left."

''Accused's words had the effect of inciting the croud to net in a hostile manner, knowing that there were only two constables left, on the scene,' ' Mr. Flanagan added.

Counsel said accused now realised it was a foolish thing to have done. He was of an excitable nature and the sight of the crowd had a curious effect on him, but he was never down among the crowd, lie had never previously been in trouble, and perhaps because of this incident, he lost his employment about six weeks ago. "Accused can consider himself fortunate that lie has not been sent to prison," said the magistrate, in imposing a line of Jl'in and costs, ]os. Time was allowed to pay.