“RED WORKER”

Waipukurau Press, Volume XXVIII, Issue 131, 28 May 1932, Page 3

“RED WORKER”

Alleged Sedition

THREE CASES ADJOURNED.

TWO DISTRIBUTORS CHARGED.

WELLINGTON, Friday.

Certain allegedly seditious passages in issues of “The Red Worker,” on April 4 and 26 resulted in the appearance of Richard Francis Griffin, Alexander Galbraith, Leslie Raymond McDowell, William Alexander George Lockhart and Edward Hogan before Mr E. Page in the Magistrate’s Court to-day on a charge involving breeches of the War Regulations

Whole Document Seditious.

The cases against the three first named were adjourned. The only cases proceeded with to-day were those against Lockhart and Hogan, who were charged with selling or having in their possession for sale or distribution copies of “The Red Worker”, which, it was alleged, express seditious intentions and~ advise and encourage lawlessness. Opening the case for the prosecution counsel for the Crown said that Lockhart was seen outside the wharf gate opposite Brandon street. He had a bundle of “Red Workers” dated April 26, and was selling them to men coming off the wharf. Counsel submitted that practically the whole of the document was seditious. In the first place it incited the removal of the Government by other than lawful means and promoted hostility between workers and employers.

Counsel for the defence said that the charge did not appear to be a very serious one, but in reality it was a matter of great importance to a certain class of people in New Zealand. It was unfortunate under the circumstances that at the present time people who were charged with sedition were deprived of the right of trial by jury. He was confident, however, that his Worship would judge the matter with the same consideration as would be given by a jury.

Counsel stated that the present position of the working classes in New Zealand necessitated the taking of a very decided political stand to protect their interests.

Decision Reserved

Mr. Page intimated that he would take time to read “The Red Worker” and consider the authorities quoted by counsel before giving h t decision. When the case against Hogan was called, counsel said that the same defence would apply in his case as in that of Lockhart. Judgment was reserved.

“Although this is only a vagrancy case I would ask that the bail should be substantial,” said Sub-Inspector Ward when Philip Gordon Brazier, an ex-Communist, aged 25, ’who was charged with being idle and disorderly in that he had insufficient lawful

means of support, asked for a remand in order to secure witnesses.

The sub-inspector said that the police regarded Brazier as one of the dangerous agitators who were going about endeavouring to cause disorder.

Mr. Page granted a remand for a fortnight. He fixed bail at £l5O, with one surety of £l5O.