SATURDAY’S DISTURBANCE

Hokitika Guardian, 4 August 1931, Page 5

SATURDAY’S DISTURBANCE

ONE CHARGE DISMISSED

(By Telegraph—Per Press Association)

CHRISTCHURCH, August 4. As a result of Saturday's disturbances, Magistrate Mosley, after hearing evidence dismissed the charges of disorderly behaviour and insulting language against George- Christopher Harris. Evidence is now being heard in three other cases remanded from yesterday. The police said Harris had been booing and had called a Sergeant a black mongrel.

Counsel for the defence said Harris went to the railway station only outof curiosity and had not caused any disorder.

The Magistrate gave Harris the benefit of the doubt On the other cases Sergeant Hyland said he was rushed by McKegUey and while both were on the ground, witness was kicked by another man. There was nr. doubt Mclvegney was lighting with Sergeant. I.eckie. Witness, to counsel said he only drew his baton when he was kicked on the ground. Ro denied that the police were 'seeing red and said the arrests were justified as the situation was ugly. Sergeant Leckie said Riley had a baton a foot long in his hand. He saw other men attacking Constable Phillips, .who was on the ground. ‘Riley and Dodge were arres'ed at Hereford -Street. Dodge tin n lay down and used his feet and fists fmly. Answering u. question by counsel, whether he drew his baton Indore any disorder occurred. witness explained‘‘lt's a lie.” He considered the trouble was started by the concerted action of Communists. Speaking on behalf of Riley, McKegney and Dodge, counsel (Mr Hunter) said nothing was done until the police attacked them with batons. The police, he said, precipitated the trouble in drawing their batons which was a sight that inflamed the British crowd.