ATTACK ON MR GARDEN

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21640, 10 May 1932, Page 7

ATTACK ON MR GARDEN

DISCLOSURES BY A DEFENDANT MEMBER OF FASCIST LEGION (Unitefl Press Association.) (By Electric Telegrapli—Copyright.) SYDNEY, May 9. (Received May 9, at 7.50 p.m.)

Eight men, who were charged with assaulting ‘Mr J. S. Garden and his two sons, were sentenced to three months’ imprisonment without the option of a fine, the magistrate (Mr Cohen) describing the assault as cowardly. All pleaded guilty. One man made a statement to the effect that an unsigned note was pushed under his door ordering him to undertake a secret mission in company with complete strangers. Part of his duty was to quieten a dog. He added that he was a member of the Fascists’ Legion of the New Guard, consisting of 52 members known only to one another by numbers, and all were issued with black hoods and gowns. During the luncheon adjournment the eight defendants were walking in a busy street in the vicinity of the court when they were attacked by a hefty man who fought fiercely, striking some of the defendants, who retaliated. A huge crowd gathered. Police were rushed to the spot and charged with batons. Finally they arrested the aggressor, who was fined £2 for riotous behaviour.

A previous message stated: Mr J. S; Garden, secretary of the Sydney Trades Hall Council, who is also a city aiderman, informed detectives that he was violently assaulted by a gang of men during the night, ana received severe blows on the head, face, and neck. His son heard a scuffle and released a dog, which put the whole gang to flight. They disappeared in a motor car. Mr Garden states that four men who* were in evening dress awakened him on the pretext that suspicious characters were lurking behind the house. He allowed them to enter the premises aifd make a search, and, without warning, they set upon him.