FOREIGN ADVISERS

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLII, Issue 20474, 20 July 1936, Page 9

FOREIGN ADVISERS

SEAMAN’S LIBEL ACTION OUTSIDE INFLUENCE ALLEGED Bj Telegraph —Pres? Association WELLINGTON, July 18 A statement that Douglas Gibson, a member of the Seamen’s Union, received his instructions from a political body which was advised by a foreign country, was made by Flnton Patrick Walsh in the Supreme Court to-day, when the case in which Gibson proceeded against Walsh and Felix Newfield for £6OO damages for libel was resumed. Continuing his evidence, the defendant, Fintan Patrick Walsh, crossexamined by Mr Wilson for the plaintiff, said Gibson had endeavoured to undermine constitutional methods of running the Union organisation and to turn it into a rabble. Gibson also did that during the Greymouth strike. Gibson took part in putting up a candidate against witness for ths presidency of the Union. He knew Gibson and those associated with him were getting their instructions from an outside political body and that body was getting his instructions from a foreign country. Mr Wilson: Did you know that Gibson voted against the Communist Party on more than one occasion in the Trades Hall—l knew that he argued certain matters with them. Are you willing to withdraw the charge that plaintiff had nefarious ways of earning his livelihood.—l never made the charge. I only reported it in my official capacity. His Honour: Counsel means, do you support that statement?—No, I do not. Activities In Australia Mr Wilson: Are you willing to withdraw the charge that plaintiff was a party to wrecking the Australlafi Union?—l have already said that plaintiff, on his own evidence, admitted that he was the chief executive officer of the Seamen's Union in Australia before he left for New Zealand. It also has been said against Gibson, on his own statement, that he was a party to handing out 100 Union books for the purpose of removing an elected official from office in the Australian Union. In view of these statements, I was not satisfied with plaintiff’s conduct as an officer of the Australian Seamen's Union. Are you willing to withdraw the accusation?—Provided plaintiff can produce evidence to show that he was not a party to legally handing out Union books to non-members for the purpose of removing an elected officer. His Honour: Plaintiff was elected president of the Australian Union but did not act. You say that is significant. What do you mean by that?—At the time the Union was in a turmoil and Gibson took a leading part in the faction fighting that was going on in the Union. Gibson became president. I submit that it was his duty, under the circumstances, to have remained in his position. That was desertion of the Union on his part. Move to Expel Officials Thomas Frank Benson, a seaman, said he was a member of the committee of five which was set up in May, 1933, to consider a proposal to amend the constitution of the Union. Witness was secretary and Gibson was chairman. Witness was approached by several members of the Union who suggested that the committee should urge members, after a subsequent meeting, to expel the officials. Gibson, supported by others, made the suggestion. Witness said he himself was non-commital. Mr Hay, for the defendants: Were members of that committee subjected to victimisation by the Union?—The suggestion is absolute rubbish. What was Gibson’s attitude to the officials of the Union?—Absolutely hostile. The Court adjourned.