"I WONT FIGHT FOR MY WIFE AND CHILDREN"

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2948, 7 December 1916, Page 8

"I WONT FIGHT FOR MY WIFE AND CHILDREN"

FINE OF £20 FOR DISLOYAL UTTERANCE. By Telegraph—Press Association. Christchurch, December 6. At the Lyttelton Magistrate's Court to-day, Charles An sell was charged thafc on November 7 at Lyttelton ho made a statement indicating disloyalty in respect of the present war, to wit. "I ivon't fight for my wife and children. Every sixpence spent in making a bullet for the destruction of humanity is lust of money. Tho Germans have given us all we want, and will give us more." Defendant'pleaded not guilty. The statement complained of was made at a public recruiting meeting addressed by Mr. Isitt, M.P. Defendant, in evidence, said La had two brothers in the Navy, one a prisoner of war in Germany, and one who was in hospital and was going to the firing line. When, witness arrived at the meeting, Mr. Isitt was talking on war-time economy, not recruiting, and; tho only timo lio (defendant) spoke was when he asked the speaker if he'did not think that oveiy sixpence spent on munitions was a waste just as much as that spent on beer. He asked tho question from an economical point of view. The Magistrate said he disbelieved defendanttotally, and fined him £20 and costs.