COMMUNISTS IN COURT

Southland Times, Issue 24153, 15 June 1940, Page 9

COMMUNISTS IN COURT

Alleged Subversive Speeches BY-ELECTION CAMPAIGN AT AUCKLAND (United Press Association) AUCKLAND, June 14. Summary charges under the Public Safety'Emergency Regulations of making subversive statements in speeches at meetings held in support of the Communist candidate during the recent Auckland West by-election campaign were preferred against three members of the Communist Party in the Police Court before Mr F. H. Levien, S.M. The accused were Thomas Stanley, secretary of the Auckland General Labourers Union, John Reginald Angelo and Douglas James Morey. All pleaded not guilty to the charges and conducted their own defence. Stanley and Angelo are already serving prison sentences for publishing previous subversive statements. s Stanley was charged with an offence at a meeting on May 13 when there were about 50 persons present. References were made in his speech, a transcript copy of which was produced by a shorthand writer, to the wax’ which the accused described as “another imperialist slaughter.” The accused, mentioning that he was already serving a sentence of nine months’ imprisonment for an offence which was part of the same series of addresses, said it seemed unfair that he should be charged again. The Magistrate pointed out that the second offence was committed before the accused was served with a summons for the previous offence, and for that reason he was convicted without further penalty.

“IMPERIALIST WAR” The charge against Angelo referred to a speech made by him before about 20 listeners at a meeting on May 7. Evidence showed that he also made references to “the imperalist war.” “I can see that the gaol will be pretty full if people are to be sentenced fox’ making speeches such as mine,” said the accused. “I am now serving a sentence of six months.” The Crown Prosecutor (Mx’ V. R. Meredith) said Angelo’s speech was less subversive than Stanley’s, being mainly an election address. Agreeing with this view, the Magistrate reserved his decision until Monday. The third accused, Morey, elected trial in the Supreme Court. The charge against him referred to statements made while speaking at a meeting attended by about 20 persons on May 8. He pleaded not guilty, reserved his defence and was committed for trial. Bail of £75 with one surety for £75 was granted.