NOTES IN COURT

New Zealand Herald, Volume 78, Issue 24134, 28 November 1941, Page 6

NOTES IN COURT

CONTEMPT CHARGE PACIFIST REMANDED YOUNG WOMAN WARNED [BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION J CHKISTCHURCII, Thursday Arrested, during a sitting of the Magistrate's Court to-day, Lincoln Arthur Winstone Efford was placed in the dock before Mr. A. A. McLachlan, S.M., charged with committing wilful contempt of Court in that, not being an authorised person, he took down reports in writing, which included notes of the magistrate's remarks, with comments thereon. Efford, who pleaded not guilty, said he did not know his position and he wanted to seek legal advice in the matter. "I have always behaved myself in Court, and I protest at the indignity of being arrested and "searched like this," said Efford, who added that he was in Court as a member of the public. Seeking Legal Advice The Magistrate: Are you a reporter for some newspaper? Efford: No. I am in Court as a member of the public, "Was there some other person in Court taking notes?" asked the magistrate. "Yes, Your Honour," said a female voice from the back of the Court. The Magistrate: You had better be jointlv charged. The Magistrate (to Efford): Do you deny making notes of my remarks? Efford: I doa't know my position. I want to get legal advice before saying anything. "The case will be adjourned until to-morrow, bail being allowed in your own recognisance of £20," said the magistrate. When Efford had left the dock the magistrate asked to what society he belonged. Sub-Inspector E. T. C. Turner: The Pacifist Society. Detective M. R. Stewart said that Efford had been attending sittings of the Appeal Board and had taken a keen interest in the proceedings? Woman Questioned "Bring in the young lady now, but do not formally charge her," said the magistrate. The young woman, who said she was a member of the Pacifist Society, said she did not know she was not allowed to take notes. "I have taken notes in Wellington for my own benefit in the full sight of the magistrate and the police," she added. The Magistrate: What do you propose to do with them? The Woman: They may not even be transcribed. If they are transcribed I may not make any use of them, as I could not hear very well. "Well, you can go now, but don't you come to the Court again taking notes," said the Magistrate,