DISLOYAL STATEMENTS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3274, 13 December 1916, Page 59

DISLOYAL STATEMENTS.

CHRISTCHURCH, December 6. In the Lyttelton Magistrate's Court to dav, Charles Ansell was charged that, on November 7, at Lyttelton, he made a statement indicating disloyalty in respect of the present war—to wit: "I won't fight; I won't fight J I won't fight for my wife and children. Every sixpence spent in making a bullet for the destruction of humanity 13 a waste of money. The Germans have given us all we want, and will give us more.' The defendant pleaded not guilty. The statement complained of was made at a public recruiting meeting addressed bj Mr Isitt, M.P. . ~ ~ , , . The defendant, m evidence, said he had two brothers in the navy, on? a prisoner of war in Germany, one in hospital, and one going to the firing line. When witness arrived at the mceilhg Mr Isitt was talking on war-time economy, not recruiting, and the onlv time ho spoke waa when he asked the speaker if he did not think that every sixpence spent on munitions was a waste, just as much as that spent on beer. He asked the question from an economic point of view. The magistrate said he disbelieved the defendant totallv, and fined him £2O and costs.