FOR LAW AND ORDER.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXIII, 14 December 1925, Page 9

FOR LAW AND ORDER.

High Court’s Decision. FEDERAL PRIME MINISTER SURPRISED. By Cable—Press Association —Copyright. AiiMri. 'inn cm) N.Z. “mile Association (Received December 13, 5.5 p.m.) MELBOURNE, December 12. Mr Bruce so fur has taken no action, nor commented on the Court’s decision in the deportation case, beyond expressing surprise. He is awaiting reasons for the Court’s decision, and any development will depend on this. THE GOVERNMENT’S INTENTIONS SPECULATION AND . RUMOURS. By Cable—Press Association —Copyright. Ai'.Atl llimi ir.’l N.Z. A «,so»'.:UCiOEi. Received Dec. 14, 12.50 p.m. MELBOURNE, Dee. 13. There is much speculation and many rumours regarding the Government’s intention over the Walsh-Johnson case.

Mr Bruce is reported to have stated that he thought it probable there might be an appeal to tne people by referendum for an amendment of the constitution. AFTER THE VERDICT. TALL TALK BY EXTREMISTS. By Cable—Press Association —Copyright Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. SYDNEY,'December 12. Immediately the High Court delivered • judgment, the men were released without the issue of a wiit of Habeas Corpus. There was great excitement outside the Court when the men appeared, both making desperate attempts to evade press photographers. Civil Actions Threatened. Interviewed afterwards, the men Were considerably unnerved. They admitted that they had received fail treatment, but had no privacy. They paid a tribute to the courtesy of the naval officers oh Garden Island.

The legal advisers of Walsh and Joliannsen state that Mr Bruce, Mr Pearce, and Colonel Yates, acting superintendent of the Commonwealth Police Force, will probably be served with writs, alleging unlawful arrest and illegal detention of Walsh and Jo.hannsen, and an application will he made for heavy damage. It is estimated that the deportation proceedings cost the Government £15,000.

It is understood! that the Government will also be askedl to defray the ‘expenses of Messrs Walsh and Johannsen before the Deportation Board, which is not covered by the order of the High Court. Mr Hughes’ Views. Mr W. M. Hughes, formerly Prime Minister, commenting on the Court’s decision, said he was not surprised, adding that severe and unusual penalties defeated their own purposes. Although the reasons for the Court’s decision were unknown, the fact that the judgment was unanimous showed that they must be most convincing. Mr Hughes concluded: “If Walsh and .Johannsen had been gaoled for a month the Strike would have petered out long ago, and the gentlemen named would not have been regarded as martyrs.” The general consensus of opinion is that the Government failed badly, as it was re-elected on the deportation issue and the right of the Government to uphold! constitutional law and order. The decision apparently means that the whole policy on which Mr Bruce went to the country is wrong in law.