Dangerous Literature.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 April 1921, Page 3

Dangerous Literature.

A SWEDE SENT TO GAOL. WELLINGTON, April 15 The Magistrate’s Court was crowded during the hearing of a case in which a Swede named Edward Johnson was charged under section 46 of the Customs Act and the War Regulations with being in possession of the newspaper “Knowledge and Unity,” and selling or publishing “The Russian Revolution,” “Inside Soviet Russia,” and “Communist Tactics of Revolution,” which books encouraged violence and lawlessness.

Constable John Horne visited the Socialist Hall and saw Johnson’s open bookstall. Several men entered the stall, a number of them purchasing books. Witness remained in the stall with the accused. Another man who purchased the “Communist Programme of World Revolution,” brought witness one, and gave witness to understand that the book was prohibited. Johnson then gave witness the other books. Witness made a second visit to the Socialist Hall, where a lecture was being given by Professor Hunter, of Victoria College. He sat down for a while, and later asked defendant if be bad anything good. Defendant brought out three books, “Inside Soviet Russia, “Communist Tactics of Revolution, and “The Russian Revolution.” He said tbe first two were prohibited. Cross-examined by defendant, witness said he had been a member of the police force for about three months. He had not told certain people “He would do any dirty act” for the purpose of joining the police force. Defendant, asked if he wished to give evidence on oath or make a statement, said : “I am not a believer m the teaching of the Bible, and I therefore can’t take an oath.”

The Magistrate: But you can give evidence on affirmation.

This defendant agreed to do. He said after his last conviction be had no longer acted as literary secretary. He had been advised not to do so as he vas an alien. Johnson emphatically do nied that the evidence of J Constable Horne was correct. Constable Horne had stated that defendant had said that there was literature all over the building. This was not correct. Tbe Socialist Party had no control over the building apart from the rooms they occupied. The whole of the charges had been “trumped up against him.” Mr Macasscy: Are you naturalised?— No, T don’* believe in naturalisation. Have you a permit to work on the wharf? —Yes, but not with me.

How long have you had it?—Since 1917.

How long have you been in Wellington?—Oh, on and off, for twenty years. When you were before the Court before, did you not give a guarantee that you would not sell such literature again ?—No. Johnson went on to detail a conversation lie had had with the secretary to the Attorney-General regarding the regulations. Mr Hunt, S.M. : “I am not going to allow you to air your grievances with the Attorney-General here.

Johnson finally submitted that the case for proseccution depended solely on the evidence of one policeman ; there was no corroboration.

In giving bis decision, the Magistiatc made strong comment on the nature of the contents of documents. “It is an offence,” he said, “for any person to have in bis possession for sale or distribution any document which in cites, encourages, advises, or advocates violence, lawlessness, or disorder, or expresses any seditious intention. 1 have read six publications, the subject of three of the charges. They clearly come within the regulation, for on almost every page violence, lawlessness, and sedition are advocated. In one Sovietism is directly recommended, workers are to employ force, as force would bring about a revolution. A revolution is said to be necessary so that the front ranks of workers can carry along the workers with them. Tn another, Parliament is described as a machine of suppression and oppression in the bands of dominant capitalism, and is to be abolished. Advice is given to utilise and be in complete contact with all mass actions taking place at a given moment (strikes, demonstrations, movements amongst soldiers and sailors, etc.), and for the furtherance of their designs it is necessary to involve in active work all the mass oragnisations of the proletariat, in other words, foment dissatisfaction. In the third and fourth publications workers are advised to have no scruple in using violence, to detail themselves with guns at street corners, and to seize factories. The essential task of the leaders is to draw together all workers capable of revolutionary mass action in a time or crisis. The'last two of the six publications teach the same, but in addition advocate a general strike, which is to b P turned into an armed insurrection. This is called political action. Tt is not necessary for me to dilate on the mischief the dissemination of such seditious documents causes.” t On the charge of a breach of the Customs Act, being in possession at “Knowledge and Unity,” a fine of £SO was imposed, the alternative being three months’ imprisonment. On each of the other three charges, Johnson was sentenced to three months’ imprisonment, the terms to be concurrent. Following the Magistrate’s decision Johnson turned to the rear of the Cour and commenced to make a reference to the British worker, but his final oration was brief. Two constables conducted him tvom the Court.