A SECRET MISSION

Wairarapa Daily Times, 10 May 1932, Page 5

A SECRET MISSION

ATTACK OH GARDEN accused sent to gaol. i'ress Association Electric Telegraph Copyright SYDNEY, Monday. Eight men charged to-day with having assaulted Mr J. 6. Garden, secretary of the Trades Mall Council, and his two sons, were sentenced to three months’ imprisonment without the option of a fine, the Magistrate (Mr Cohen) describing the assault as cowardly. • All pleaded guilty. * One of the accused made a statement to the effect that an unsigned note had been pushed under his door ordering him to undertake a secret mission in company with complete strangers. Part of his duty was to quieten MiGarden ’s dog. - He added that he was a member of the Fascists Legion of the New Guard consisting of fifty-two members who were known only to one another by numbers, and all were issued with black hoods and gowns. During the luncheon adjournment the eight defendants were walking in a busy street in the vicinity of the court when they were attacked by a hefty man. He fought fiercely, striking some of the defendants, who retaliated. A huge crowd gathered. Police were rushed to the spot and charged the crowd with batons. Finally they arrested the aggressor, wi*o was fined £2 for riotous behaviour.