THE SUPREME COURT.

Colonist, Volume LVI, Issue 13391, 12 February 1914, Page 6

THE SUPREME COURT.

WELLINGTON RIOT CASES

[United Peess Association.]

Wellington, Feb. 11. At the Supreme Court George Johnston stood his second trial on a charge of taking part in the riot in Featherstone street on November sth. The jury disagreed, and a third trial was ordered for the next criminal session, accused being allowed bail in the meantime.

At the trial of E. Hunter, on ,a charge of sedition arising; out of a speech at Newtown Park on December 14th, when he was alleged, to have said that: -'If people wanted revolution they could have it," evidence of the words used was given by M. Edwards, a. reporter, and Detectives Lewis and Dempsey. The accused then entered the box" and denied that the published report of his speech was eitlfer accurate, or fair. He had said: "You must have right," not might, behind you. He was a Socialist, and the speech- was a propaganda speech. Ho did not use the words, '"We had our fellow-workers murdered at Wiaihi." He. had said that if the Massey Government forced extreme conditions on them it would force a revolution. He would bo ashamed to speak words advocating bloodshed. Mr . Wilford' addressed the Court at length, and the Chief Justice reserved his summing up till to-morrow.