THE AUSTRALIAN NAVY

Waikato Times, Volume 112, Issue 18808, 2 December 1932, Page 10

THE AUSTRALIAN NAVY

CHARGE AGAINST PRINTER A VITAL POINT. MELBOURNE, Nov. 23. Unusual public interest centred in the prosecution, before Mr Justice Lowe, in the first Civil Court to-day, of William Arthur Payne, printer and publisher of Truth Newspapers, Melbourne, for an alleged offence under the Commonwealth Crimes Act. Payne was charged, on the information of the Federal AttorneyGeneral (Mr Latham), that on or about November 5 he, by means of an article headed “Navy Issues Strike Ultimatum,” published in Truth newspaper, at Melbourne, knowingly attempted to incite certain persons serving in the King’s forces, to wit, the lower deck ratings of H.M.A.S. Canberra, H.M.A.S. Australia H.M.A.S. Albatross, and H.M.A.S Tattoo, and other ships in the Royal Navy, to commit an act of mutiny. Payne pleaded not guilty. Opening the case, Mr Cussen said the jury would see how mischievous the article might have been if it were not for the fact that the navy was loyal. Without being spiteful, the Government desired to stop that kind of thing. It seemed to be part of the programme of the navy that it always visited Melbourne during Cup Week. That seemed to be an essential part of its training. The ships mentioned arrived in Melbourne on November 4, and in the issue of Truth on November 5 the article complained of appeared. It was worthy of note that the article appeared contemporaneously with the arrival of Ills Majesty’s ships in Melbourne. Mr. Cussen said the only decent thing in the article was a photo, of Sir George Pearce. Minister's Denial.

The Minister for Defence (Senator Sir George Pearce) said that no ultimatum, threatening a strike and signed by naval ratings, had come before him or Cabinet. Neither was. there any dissension in Cabinet over any matter connected with the navy at any time. Cross-examined by Mr. Gorman, Sir George Pearce said he did not desire to convey that on or about November 5 there were no difficulties in connection with naval matters. In his official capacity he was somewhat concerned as to the attitude of the lower deck over certain financial matters and lie was considering with Cabinet steps to ameliorate those conditions. On the Tuesday following publication of the report, however, he was able to announce concessions to the men which included increases in their allowances, travelling concessions and allowances in lieu of rations. Mr. Gorman: You are aware that the non-arrival of the Fleet in time for the Cup had caused the Fleet some concern?

Sir George Pearce: I have seen some satirical references in the newspapers. lie had not received a report from the Australia as to certain happenings when she was coming down from the Solomons, he said. " News —Fair Comment.” Mr. Gorman said that as the test to be applied by the jury had already been settled by a judilcal decision, It was not competent for the truth of the matter to be tendered in evidence.

Air. Justice Lowe: Do you propose to submit that this article is no more than an item of news? Mr Gorman: An item of news and legitimate comment. I do not propose to call anybody except the accused to demonstrate his complete ignorance of the article. Air, Cussen said the suggestion that a document, signed by naval ratings, had been considered by Cabinet, and ■had caused disruption, was a mischievous piece of journalism. It was not with any spite or vindictiveness against the man himself that the publisher of Truth had been arraigned, bud, unfortunately, he was the only man tiie Grown could get at to stop it. Vice-Admiral’s Story. Vice-Admiral George Francis Hyde said there were welfare committees on the ships which considered grievances and submitted them through officers to the Navy Bo? I'd. Up to the time to arrive in port he had not received any complaints. To Mr. Gorman lie said he knew as an officer who had previously been immediately over the men, that _ the ratings felt the financial position ■acutely, hut no official representations to alleviate the position had been made to him. lie had no knowledge of any happening on the Australia, or of the captain addressing the crew and advising them to act sanely. lie knew every newspaper in Australia had addressed itself to the question of dissatisfaction in the Navy.

Mr. Gorman: You knew that during Hio Fleet’s stay in Melbourne certain exl demists had sought to disattcct the Navy? “I know extremists have been attempting lo do so for years past. A great, cleat of literature has been circulated among the men during Mie visit,” said Admiral Hyde. Mr. Gorman: You had numerous messages Miat the Fleet was not going tn sa ii7 —Yes. The Press received similar messages. You knew of this stop-work meeting ?—Yes. The Fleet was flooded with Communist literature ?—Yes. Hid you say on November 9 that a determined effort had heen made to prevent the ships going tn sea? —A os.

As a mallei’ of fart, is it. not true Mint out of 20fl0 men, every one sailed except, one?- —Yes. Mr. fiusscn: Did any of the other reports you read amount to incitement to mutiny in your opinion?—No. I think all these false statements are j nothin?!' more nr b'*s Ilian incitement. Geo. 1,. Macnndie. secretary of the ! Navy Board, said that prior to No- ' vemlier o no ituiuiry load been made ! by Payne as to whether an ultimatum ! had been presented to the board, i There were INO on the staff, but tie ! and the Director of Inlellijrmee were I the, only avenues of approach to lh" ' Press. 'lie knew of no document liav- ' ins been received for the purpose of i forwarding to the Navy Board.