DISORDERLY SCENES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21404, 4 August 1931, Page 8

DISORDERLY SCENES

A SOVIET DEMONSTRATION POLICE FORCED TO USE BATONS CHARGES AGAINST FOUR MEN (Per United Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, August 3. The police version of Saturday’s disorderly street scenes was given before the magistrate (Mr E. D. Mosley), when John Stephen M'Kegney, aged 28, Henry Drayton Davis Dodge, aged 22, Charles Francis Riley, aged 37, and George Christopher Harris, aged 31, all described as labourers, appeared on various charges. The accused were remanded till to-mor-row. The police said the object of the demonstration was not merely anti-war but to advocate the claims of Russia against the claims of Britain. M'Kegney and Dodge were charged with disorderly behaviour, inciting lawlessness, and resisting arrest, and loitering. Riley was charged with disorderly behaviour and inciting lawlessness and loitering, and Harris with disorderly behaviour and using indecent language. All pleaded not guilty. The police said an application from the Anti-War Movement to hold a procession was refused by the City Council. The procession, however, began at the railway station, where police officers warned the leaders that if it took place prosecutions would follow. A man named M'Kay, a prominent Communist, first tried to speak, and then Marshall, another Communist, tried to mount a chair. Sergeant Leckie pulled it away, and some of the crowd then closed in and became hostile. The first baton was seen in the hands of Riley. It was a heavy one painted red. Constable Phillips, who had taken no part in the proceedings, was struck on the head and knocked down. After that the police drew their batons and used them. M'Kegney was arrested later. The procession, in defiance of the authorities, then marched to Cathedral square. The police were reinforced, and Dodge and Riley were arrested. Harris was arrested in Victoria square. It was stated by several of those in the crowd that when on the ground Constable Phillips was kicked by a woman. Sergeant Hyland was hit in the face by one of the banners. The whole thing was an ugly scene. On one banner were the words, «Support Soviet Russia, the Workers’ State.” „ , Bail was allowed M'Kegney, Dodge, and Riley in their own recognisance of £2OO, and two sureties of £IOO each. Harris’s bail was fixed at £25.