“FREE SPEECH COUNCIL”

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22326, 28 July 1934, Page 21

“FREE SPEECH COUNCIL”

ATTEMPT TO HOLD MEETING ‘POLICE COURT PROCEEDINGS (Per United Press Association.) AUCKLAND, July 27. Charges arising from the attempt made last Friday evening by an organisation called the “ jfrec Speech Council to hold a public meeting in Borosforcl street arc being hoard against a number of men iu the Police Court. The attempt to hold a meeting was made purposely to test the' validity of the by-law. All the morning was occupied iu the hearing of evidence on three charges against one man, and the magistrate (Mr Wyyern Wilson) intimated that he would convict this defendant on all charges, but postponed passing sentence until the other cases had been heard. The man convicted was Lewis Williams, aged 30 years, who was charged with participating in a street gathering for. which no permit had been obtained from the City Council, _ behaving in a disorderly manner and inciting to disorder. Evidence was given that the City Council had refused permission to hold a meeting and had also refused to receive a deputation on the subject of free speech.. The meeting was then advertised by means of “ dodgers.” _ Alexander Drennan and Sidney Wilfred Scott were also convicted, and sentence was postponed until the other cases have been dealt with to-morrow.