ARREST IN COURT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24776, 28 November 1941, Page 4

ARREST IN COURT

PACIFIST TAKING NOTES CHARGED WITH CONTEMPT . i (PA*.) CHRISTCHURCH, Nov.'27. • 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., and charged that on November 27, at Christchurch, he committed wilful contempt in face of the Magistrate's Court, that not being an authorised person he did take down reports in writing, which included notes of the magistrate's remarks with comments thereon. Efford, who pleaded not guilty, said that 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. Efford said he was in the court as a member of the public. The magistrate: Are you a reporter for some newspaper? Efford: No, I am in court as a member of the public. Young Woman Involved "Was there some other person in the court taking notes?" asked the magistrate. "Yes, your Honor," said a female voice from the back of the court. The magistrate: You had better be jointly charged. The magistrate (to Efford): *Do you deny making notes of my remarks? Efford: I don'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 the defendant, had left the dock the magistrate asked to what society Efford belonged. Sub-inspector E. T. C. Turner: The Pacifist Society, sir. ■ Detective M. R. Stewart said. that Efford had been attending sittings of the Appeal Board and had taken a keen interest in the proceedings. "Bring in the young lady now, but do not formally charge her," said-the magistrate. When she was brought before the Bench the magistrate asked: Are you a member of the Pacifist Society? v "Yes, your Honor," was the reply. The magistrate: Proud of it? The woman: Very proud of it. Practice Admitted

The young woman said that she did not know she was not allowed to take notes. "I have taken notes in Wellington for my own benefit in full sight of the magistrate and the police," she added. The magistrate: What do you propose to do with them? The woman: They may hot even be transcribed. If they are transcribed I may not make .any use of them as I could not hear Very well. " Well, vou can go now, but don't you come to the court again taking notes," said the magistrate.