DISORDER ALLEGED.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20363, 21 July 1934, Page 11

DISORDER ALLEGED.

Six Men Charged in Auckland. QUESTION OF FREE SPEECH. Per Press Association AUCKLAND. July 21. The six men arrested when an attempt was made to hold a meeting in Beresford Street last night appeared in the Police Court to-day. They were: Lewis Williams, 30 years of age; Alexander Drennan, 34; Sidney William Scott, 34; William Millar, 30; Robert Lowry, 21; and Henry Mornington Smith. 30. All except Lowry are natives of the United Kingdom or Ireland. Scott and Smith were charged with holding a meeting without a permit, inciting to disorder and obstructing the police. A variety of charges against the other men included loitering, disorderly behaviour, indecent language and obstruction. The police obtained a remand till July 27. In applying for bail, counsel for the men said: “ These charges all arise as a result of an attempt made last evening by various organisations who feel that the right of free speech has been infringed bv the Auckland City Council. The meeting last night was deliberately called in order that a test case might be brought to decide the issue. The men will refrain during the remand from participating in any public meeting.” The Magistrate allowed each man bail in £SO, with one surety. (An account of the disturbance appears on Page 19.)