Page 49 Advertisements Column 4

Otago Witness, Issue 3594, 30 January 1923, Page 49

DANGEROUS LITERATURE. SEQUEL TN POLICE COURT. AUCKLAND-, Januarv 26 A charge of selling literature calculated to encourage violence and was preferred against William Henry Sheffield at the Police Court. The defendant stated that ’ho was a member of the executive of the New Zealand Communist Party. Counsel for the prosecution said that a constable attended meetings of the party to which the defendant belonged. These peof le, who held meet ings at Ihe Trades Hall, appeared to be called the Communist Party, which was something distinct from the Labour Party, he was happy to sav. The constable purchased a book, “dlie ABO of Communism,” which was purported to be a popular exposition of the party’s principles, and it had been written by twb Russians. It openly advocated violence on the part of the proletariat with the object of overthrowing the present system of society. The constable in his evidence said it was often mentioned at meetings that it was illegal to sell such literature, hit the matter was usually treated lightly. Sheffield, who was unrepresented by counsel, denied in evidence that the constable obtained the book from him. Defendant admitted buying literature at meetings, but denied ever selling any. " , * The Magistrate said he would read the book, and ht deferred his decision.