COMMUNIST CHARGED

Hokitika Guardian, 29 January 1931, Page 3

COMMUNIST CHARGED

OVER A CIRCULAR. WELLINGTON, January 28. Stating that he would like to take time to consider a circular, which was somewhere near the “borderline,” MiRage, S.M., reserved his decision when William Martin, a native of England, aged 39, was charged with distributing a document containing words inciting to lawlessness. Tlie following words were mentioned in the charge: “ReTuse to Register,” “Refuse to Pay,” “Organise the Unemployed,” “Form Committees on all Jobs to Fight the Bill.” “If the boss sacks anyone for refusal to pay, hold the job up! Demonstrate! Protest!” Sub-Inspector Ward said that the accused was a member of the Communist Party, and he was present at a meeting at the Post Office Squaie on the 7th of November. A large crowd gathered, and the accused distributed documents which contained the words “Refuse to Register,” and “Refuse to Pay.” It was on those words that the charge was founded. Mr Mazengarb, for the accused, said that, although advice was given in the circular to resist the Act, it did not go as far as to incite. It went no further than the statement of a person who advised one to go to gaol rather than pay the dole. Counsel said:—“l submit that it is not calculated to encourage lawlessness as contemplated by the Act. it is the product of an uneducated or disordered mind.” Sub-Inspector Ward contended that if there was general organised resistance to the Act, violence and disorder were bound to follow. Martin was also charged with two offences of indecently assaulting a male. The accused pleaded guilty, and was committed to the Supreme Court for sentence. A third charge of a similar nature against him was dismissed.