In the Balkans

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 24, 22 December 1916, Page 2

In the Balkans

SNOW AND RAIN REPORTED. Press Association—-Copyright, Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. {Received 12.25 p.m.) London, December 21. Snow and rain are hindering operations on the Macedonia trout, where only urtilleryi'ng is reported.

Sedition charges. SOCIALISTS BEFORE THE 5.M. DECISION RESERVED. Per Press Association. Wellington, December 22. In the Magistrate’s Court to-day the Crown proceeded with the charge of sedition against Peter Fraser and Thomas Brin die, two prominent Socialists. ■r*t. ;m i. The Court was crowded, and Mr Riddell, S.M., presided. Both men pleaded Not Guilty and conducted their own defence. The evidence for the. Crown was of a formal nature. Defendants, addressed the Court at considerable length, claiming that their speeches were perfectly justified under section 108 of the Crimes Act which states: “It is not unlawful to attempt to procure correction of an error and defects in the Constitution so long as lawful means are adopted. They thought the repeal of the Military Service. Act would be in the interest of the community because it had aroused feelings of hatred. Both claimed that their speeches contained statements of fact only, and as such could not be regarded as seditious. The Magistrate said he would read through the -whole of , the speeches and give his decision to-morrow.