DOMINION NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 23 December 1916, Page 7

DOMINION NEWS.

SEDITION CHARGES. By Telegraph.—Press Association. . i Wellington, Dor. 22. In the Magistrate's Court to-day the Ciown proceeded with the charges of sedition against Peter Eraser and Thoa. Brindle, two prominent Socialists. The court was crowded, and Mr, Riddell, S M., presided. Both 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 that it is not unlawful to attempt to procure the correction of error ni:d defects in the constitution, so long hf. lawful means are adopted. They thought the repeal of the Military Service Act 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 sneh could not be regarded as seditions. The Magistrate said he would redd the whole of the speeches and give his decision to-morrow. ALLEGED SEDITION. Hamilton, December -\. William MeManus, a middle-aged man, was charged to-day with making seditious utterances. He was, remanded, bail being allowed. REPLIES TO CHRISTMAS MESSAGES TO SOLDIERS. Auckland, 0;'?. 21. Christmas messages sent to Now Zealand soldiers on active service by ;he Acting Prime Minister on behalf of the people of the Dominion have been appreciatively acknowedfied in two, quarters, and cablegrams in reply have been ■received by Mr. Allen from General Sir Alexander Gmlley and from General Chaytor, in command of New Zealand troops in Egypt. General Ondlej says: ''On behalf of myself and the troops I have the honor to command, to beg to send to you and tg the people of New Zealand our sincere thanks for your message, which will hearten us to persevere until an honorable and lasting peace has been secured. Of our ultimate success I we feel assured. Our thoughts will be ' with you on Christmas Day.'' i The text of General Cliaytor's reply is as follows: "Your cablegram ha? been Miminunieated to all ranks of the Now 'ealnnd Expeditionary Force in Egypt, ho heartily reciprocate Christinas greet:s and good wishes from our people at me. With them wi will join in yer on Christmas Morning. LANDSLIDE AT NOKTHCOT'E. Auckland, December 21. j Following heavy rain, large landslips . mvurred in the suburb of Northeote, ,'on the northern side of the harbor, • this morning, resulting in the demolition of a six-roomed house owned by P. W. Bollard and tenanted by L. S. Millar and family, who received sufficient warning to escape before the collapse. The silp was nearly an acre in extent ion a hundred-foot frontage to the road ! fears are entertained for the safety of (an adjacent house, iwned by R. fl. Aitken and occupied by I'. Ellis. j\\\ the furniture has been removed.