CHARGE OF SEDITION.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 14288, 3 May 1917, Page 7

CHARGE OF SEDITION.

MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT BEFORE THE COURT.

CASE ADJOURNED: BAIL

REFUSED

(Per Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, last night. P. C. Webb, M.P., appeared before Mr Bailey, S-.M., tliis afternoon. Mr Raymond, K.C.. represented the Crown, and accused was not represented by counsel. ' . The ..charges were: — That on February 22nd, at Tayloryille, he did publish the following language : "Now that the Government are taking men by force (meaning thereby the administrating provisions of the Military Service Act, 1916, relative to compulsory military service), I say it is up to the men and women to rise and say to the Government, 'You will not take one man.' If we allow this Government to take men by force we, are guilty ourselves of the crime committed by the Government," which utterance was seditious in that publication thereof had 1 a tendency to interfere Avith the effective conduct of the military preparations of His, Majesty, and to encourage opposition to the enfrcement of laws in force in Nek Zealand relative to compulsory military service, and to interfere with the proper and effective administra-: tion of those laws. Tliat on April 19, at Greymouth, he published the following utterance : — "The miners (meaning, thereby certain coal miners then engaged in strike) are fighting against conscription and would go to gaol rather • than shirk what they feel to be their duty to the country. That is their sentiment at the present time. They are fighing for thousands of people who ar© not able to fight for themselves (meaning thereby the men subject to compulsory military service under the .Military Service Act, 1916), and when the true history of the part played by the miners during this great, struggle is written, I am certain of\this, that the miners will stand out in letters of gold as compared with any other section of the community." Accused pleaded not guilty to both charges. Mr Raymond applied for an adjournment to Christchurch next Friday, when witnesses who were on their way would be in Christchurch. With this case would be takren two others against two defendants who had been arrested on the West Coast ' and were on their way to Christchurch. Accused asked if there was any chance of getting, an adjournment to Wellington. "I would like," he said, "if possible to be remanded to Wellington. It is my intention to call a number of witnesses, who will be attending the big miners' conference there, and I also desire to call several Ministers of. the Crown." The Magistrate said the Crown did not want to hamper accused in any way in getting his withesses. Accused said he would prefer to be tried in Greymouth, and if not in Greymouth in Wellington. Eventually the Magistrate remanded accused until next Friday 'at Christchurch. Accused applied for bail. ' > • Mr Raymond : I oppose the application for bail.", This class of case is regarded as extremely grave at the present time. Every facility will be granted accused to prepare hjs "defence. The Magistrate: I have refused bail in all previous- eases, and I will not make an exception . in this oase.