SEQUEL TO SPEECH

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23699, 4 July 1940, Page 6

SEQUEL TO SPEECH

WATERSIDER CHARGED BY-ELECTION MEETING * _ ACCUSED SENT FOR TRIAL A plea of not guilty to a charge of publishing a subversive statement in a speech made at a meeting held at tlio corner of Newton Road and Great North Road on May 10 was entered by Alexander Drcnnan, waterside worker, before Mr. F. H. Levien, S.M., in the Police Court yesterday. Mr. G. S. 11. Meredith appeared for the-Crown. Brian 0. Snowdon, a Hansard reporter, said he took shorthand notes of the defendant's speech and of the speeches of others at a meeting held by the Communist Party in support of its candidate in the Auckland West bvelectioii. In entering his plea, the defendant said he had included nothing in his speech which was more subversive than opinions which had found their way into the daily press and other publications. The conclusions he had drawn were, he considered, valid and reasonable, and tJie arguments must be taken as a whole. He asked the magistrate to dismiss thjp charge because he did not think a jury in a democratic country like. New Zealand vould find him guilty. Defendant was committed to the Supreme Court for trial, bail of £75 being allowed, with a surety for a similar amount.