ALLEGED TREASON

Waikato Times, Volume 87, Issue 13310, 13 October 1916, Page 5

ALLEGED TREASON

SIGNIFICANT EVIDENCE. A CHEMIST'S LECTURES. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn.) SYDNEY, October 12. There have been sensational developments in the trial of 12 men on charges of treason. The proceedings are exciting the keenest interest. A chemist, who was formerly a member of the 1.W.W., gave evidence today that shortly after the war began he delivered lectures in the rooms of the organisation on elementary chemistry and the manufacture of explosives. When the action of phosphorus and the subject of spontaneous combustion were discussed, members freelystated that the only way to stop conscription was to create rioting by breaking shop windows and by burning Sydney down. One said he knew three firemen —I.W.W. men —who would hold the water pressure back. The chief officer of the fire brigade stated that it was a curious fact that all the tires within the past few months had occurred at buildings not connected with the tire brigade. All the buildings were without sprinklers and firealarms, i SOME SENSATIONAL EVIDENCE. A GERMAN IMPLICATED. (United Press Association). Received October 13, 12.15 p.m. SYDNEY, Octol)er 13. In the treason case, a chemist, who was a former member of the 1.W.W., Slave further evidence as to obtaining considerable quantities of chemicals tor some of the accused. After some of the fires he asked Fagan if lie was going to use the chemicals he (witness) had sold, for more fires. Fagan said ''Yes." Witness asked where he came in, and demanded a return of the chemicals. Fagan refused to return them and added that further considerable quantities of chemicals had been purchased. Witness identified the photo of a notorious German escapee from the internment camp as a man living at Pagan's lodgings. Witness was asked to make a mixture to remove tatoo marks, but when he found it was to be used to remove marks from the German escapee he declined to supply it. Fagan then told witness he knew too much, and would have to do it, otherwise he would he fixed. A revolver was produced, and under threats witness removed the marks. Tile German afterwards disappeared. Witness stated that he would have given information regarding the chemicals before, but for being frightened, as he did not approve of the accused's policy.