POLICE VERSION

Hokitika Guardian, 3 August 1931, Page 5

POLICE VERSION

OF SATURDAY’S SCENES. (By Telegraph—Per Press Association) CHRISTCHURCH, Aug. 3. Th police version of Saturday’s disorderly street scenes was given before Magistrate Mosley, when John Stephen MeKegney <.28), Henry Drayton Davis Dodge (22), Charles Francis Riley (27), George t hristopher Harris ,'3T), all described as labourers, appeared on various charges including inciting lawlessness against McKegnev and Dodge. Accused were remanded till to-mor-row. The police said the object off the demonstration was not merely anti-war but to associate the claims of Russia against the claims of Britain. The charges were:— Ale Kegne.v. disorderly behaviour, inciting lawlessness, resisting arrest, and loitering.. Dodge, ditto. Riley, disorderly behaviour, and uslawlessness and loitering. Harris, disorderly behaviour, and using indecent language. All pleaded not guilty. The police said that the application from the Hiiti-war Inoveinent to hold a procession was refused by the City Council. The procession, however, began at the Railway Station, tv he re police officers warned the lenders that if it took place, prosecutions would follow, A man named McKay, a prominent Communist, first tried to speak, and Marshall another Communist, tried to mount a chair but Sergeant Lcckie pulled it away Some of the crowd closed in and bo came hostile The first baton was seen in tlie hands of uiley. It was a heavy one and painted red. Constable Phillips, who had taken no part in the proceedings, was struck on the head and knocked down. After than the police drew their batons and used them. -McKegnev was arrested. Later the procession, in defiance o'f the authorities, marched to the Square. The police were reinforced and Dodge and Riley were arrested. Harris was arrested in Victoria Square. It was stated by several of those in the crowd that when on the ground Constable Phillips was kicked by a woman. Sergeant Hyland was hit m the face by one of the banners. The whole thing was an ugly scene.. On the banner were the words: “Support Soviet Russia, the "Workers’ State.’’ Bail was allowed McKegnev, Dodge, and Riley in self £2OO and two sureties of £IOO each.