SYDNEY’S GREAT BRIDGE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21600, 22 March 1932, Page 9

SYDNEY’S GREAT BRIDGE

THE TRAFFIC ON SUNDAY ONE MILLION PEOPLE CROSS THOUSANDS OF VEHICLES (United Press Association.) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) SYDNEY, March 21. Over 1,000,000 people, in trains, trams, vehicles, and on foot, crossed the harbour bridge during the first 24 hours. Thirty thousand vehicles also went over. The toll revenue yesterday totalled £ISOO. CAPTAIN DE GROOT EXAMINED NO EVIDENCE OF INSANITY. SYDNEY, March 21. Captain de Groot was examined during the week-end by the Professor of Psychiatry at Sydney University (Dr Macpherson), who reported that there was no evidence of insanity whatever in Captain de Groot. Professor Dawson concurred in this view. Colonel Campbell stated that Captain de Groot acted with the full approval of the New Guard, but the idea was entirely his own. Captain de Groot unquestionably served as an officer in the Fifteenth King’s Hussars during the war, and had every right to /wear a uniform on Saturday. He was most careful that there would be no discredit thrown upon the Governor, and he took no action whatever before Mr Lang spoke. Colonel Campbell added that Captain de Groot’s conduct throughout was dignified and orderly, and did not involve any breach of the peace. “ I saw Captain de Groot, and he was very sorry to learn that a police officer was cut through coming in contact with his sword. Captain de Groot had no idea of resisting arrest.” ACCUSED DISCHARGED ANOTHER CHARGE PROBABLE. SYDNEY, March 21. Captain de Groot appeared before Mr Macdougall, S.M., at the Lunacy Court this morning, and as soon as the magistrate heard the evidence of the medical officer, he announced: “ You are discharged.” Captain de Groot immediately with his counsel, left the court, but it is understood he will be re-arrested on another charge which will be laid against him. About 1000 people gathered round the precincts of the court, and when Captain de Groot drove away in a car with Colonel Campbell there were cheers and hoots from the crowd, but tbe cheers predominated. Superintendent Mackay, who figured prominently in Saturday’s sensation, was the chief witness. He gave evidence as to what happened prior to and after the severance of the official ribbon by de Groot. He' went on to say that he had met de Groot previously during disturbances at election time, when he played an active part on behalf of the New Guard against Communist speakers. Witness formed the opinion that de Groot was not in his right mind, and his action on Saturday strengthened this view. De Groot also threatened him with his sword. The medical testimony was that de Groot gave the clearest account of bis movements and actions before and after his arrest. His story was quite coherent and there was no evidence whatever that he was insane, and therefore they recommended his discharge.

Many large donations to the de Groot fund from prominent business people have been acknowledged.

COMMEMORATING THE ACT SHILLING FUND INITIATED. SYDNEY, March 21. (Received March 21, at 10 p.m.) Captain De Groot was charged with maliciously damaging a ribbon valued at £2, offensive behaviour, and using threatening language to Inspector Robson. He was admitted to bail of £lO, Colonel Campbell, the New Guard leader, becoming bondsman. A shilling fund has been initiated to commemorate Captain De G.root’s act. The promoters say that they have already been inundated with shillings, 2500 being received in the first few hours.

THE CARNIVAL SPIRIT SYDNEY, March 21. (Received March 21, at 10 p.m.) The carnival spirit still prevails in Sydney. The chief attraction to-day was the opening of the Royal Show in ideal weather, but with racing men there was only one topic—namely, Phar Lap and the Rahdwick carnival. Still another bridge festival was staged to-day, this time at North Sydney, where to commemorate the linking of the North Shore with the city a spectacular procession passed along the main streets to the local recreation ground. All sorts of attractions were provided, not the least important being a bowling carnival, at which there were representatives from all the States and from New Zealand. A stirring naval and military tattoo is being staged at the showground to-night.