A DISLOYAL STATEMENT.

Wanganui Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15343, 4 October 1917, Page 2

A DISLOYAL STATEMENT.

DUTCHMAN SENT TO GAOL. (Per United Press Association.) NELSON. October 3. At the Magistrate's Court to-day, Jan Pietersen, formerly a fireman on the Port Kerobla, was charged under the War Regulations of the 4th December, 1916, that at Nelson on the 19th September he published a disloyal statement, viz., that "he loved the Kaiser; that he would fight to the last for the Kaiser, and (imitating the act of spitting) that he would do that to the English." A further charge of seditious utterance was preferred. The accused gave evidence on his own behalf, denying that ha held the sentiments expressed in the charge, and stating that he did not remember using the words alleged. He had served for 14 years in the Dutch navy, and latterly in the Dutch and British merchant services. The bomb on the Port Kembla was intended for him as much as-for anyone else. Dutchmen had. no love for the Kaiser. Accused was sentenced to two months' imprisonment on the charge of'making a disloyal utterance, and on the other charge he was convicted and discharged.