THE CHARGE AGAINST WM. RICHARDSON

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume IX, Issue 662, 6 November 1902, Page 20

THE CHARGE AGAINST WM. RICHARDSON

The hearing of the defence in this case, which had been adjourned, was concluded last Friday. Mr Martin, who appeared for defendant, endeavoured to show that although disturbance had occurrec, it had not been caused purposely or illegally by the defendant. Several witnesses were called, among others Mi’ George bowlds, M.H.R., who evidently approved of defendant’s conduct, and attributed the blame of the disorder to the action of the chairman in declining questions to be asked. Richardson gave evident e, in the course of which, and in cross examination, he admitted that he had got into trouble in Sydney for disturbing a meeting. He was employed here in Auckland by the Temperance Crusade to lecture at a salary of £3 a week during election time, but he got this provided the public subscribed towards the funds. Other evidence having been given. His Worship, Mr H, W. Brabant, S.M., said that the main questions appeared to be whether the chairman had any right to prevent' questions being asked* or prevent the public from ascending the platform to move motions. There had been a good deal of contradictory evidence, and no doubt a good deal of disorder at the meeting. All he could do was to interpret the. Act on the question. He would, therefore, reserve his decision.