SEDITIOUS LITERATURE

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 274, 13 August 1921, Page 9

SEDITIOUS LITERATURE

Yesterday morning, before Mr. F. K. Hunt S.M., in the Magistrate s Court, charo-es of selling seditious literature and being in possession of the same were preferred against three individuals as tol°William Blair was charged that on June 12 he sold to Constable Thomas C. Dawe “The Australian Communist, "which encourages -"iolence and lawlessness, contrary to the War Regulations.’ There were similar charges against him in respect cf "The International Communist” and "Knowledge and Unity. Hedwic Weitzel was charged. that on Jun© 19 she sold to Constable J. 1. M’Kay “The Communist” "which encourages violence and lawlessness. George Wilkinson was charged that on July 3 he was found in possession of tho newspaper "Knowledge and Unity, the importation of which is prohibited. Ho was also charged with being in possession of the publication' “Inside Soviet Russia.” Acting-Chief Detective Andrews asked for an adjournment for a week. Ho stated that Mr. Macassey was to appear for the prosecution and could not be present as he was engaged in the Supreme Court. With respect to the accused Blair, the acting-chief detective stated that as soon as the summons was issued lie attempted to leave the country, for ho boarded the steamer Manuka on Tuesday last, but was persuaded by the police to come ashore. lie asked that Blair lie bound over to appear in Court next hriday. Blair stated that lie had business to attend to in Sydney. The Magistrate: Your ibusiness is here. This is more important to yon than your private business, for if you are convicted you are liable »o three months’ imprisonment wth hard labour. D-lnlr was bound over in his own recognisance of £2O. on condition that he reports to the police each day.