PUBLISHER FINED £100

Southland Times, Issue 24161, 25 June 1940, Page 4

PUBLISHER FINED £100

CHARGE OF CONTEMPT OF COURT (United Press Association) AUCKLAND, June 24. Charged with contempt of Court in the publication of an article in the paper, The People’s Voice, reflecting on the administration of justice, Oliver Bennet Young Gregory, described as the publisher of the paper, came before Mr Justice Blair in the Supreme Court today. Through his counsel, Mr Hogben, the defendant pleaded guilty. He expressed regret and offered an apology. The defendant was convicted and fined £lOO and £5/5/- costs, with an alternative of nine months’ imprisonments

Mr V. R. Meredith, who appeared for the Crown, said the comment related to the prosecution of two men who came before the Court on a summons charge on May 24. Mr Hogben contended that the actual contempt consisted mostly of the use of the word “persecution” in a heading and was more academic than substantial. Gregory had taken over the position of publisher when the former publisher and proprietor was convicted as a result of Court proceedings. He had no previous newspaper experience and no knowledge of the contents of the paper, but relied on the literary staff. This was the last issue of the paper as steps had been taken to have it suppressed. Mr Meredith submitted it was not an academic breach. A flagrant attack was made on the administration of justice.

Judge said that the law was that the publisher undertook the responsibility. A person who disseminiated poisonous doctrine, charging the Court with unfair administration of justice, committed a grave offence. The defendant should have known what he was doing.