RED LITERATURE

Hokitika Guardian, 23 May 1932, Page 5

RED LITERATURE

MAN IN POSSESSION

ARREST OF COMMUNIST.

i By Telegraph—Ter Press Association |

CHRISTCHURCH, May .22. Detectives paid;,-®., .visit to the house of Charles Francis .Riley at 34 Dover Street, and took possession of. a ilargo quantity of /literature, some' of which, it is alleged, is of a seditious nature.

Riley was charged under the War Regulations Continuance Act, 1920, in the Magistrate’s Court, before Mr iE. 11. Mosley, 5.. M., with having hr his possession for distribution a document “Strike Strategy and Tactics,’’ which encouraged and advised violence and lawlessness, and expressed a seditious intention.

Riley is a native of England, and he was described on the charge sheet as a ■labourer, aged 38. He pleaded nob guilty to the charge.

The Solicitor for the Crown, who asked for a remand, said -Riley was arrested late last even'or His house was visited by detectives, and a large quantity of literature was found. The pamphlet named in the charge “Strike ■Strategy and Tactics,”, was very of* fenslve,

The pamphlet was handed to the Magistrate, ' i

“Where waa It panted p’’’ asked tho Magistrate, “In Wellington at the Communist Party’s printing works, the publishing house that prints the “Bed Worker,” said the solicitor for the Crown. He added that the pamphlet contained many statements inciting to lawlessness and violence, and 29 copies were found in accused's possession. There were several other pamph'ets all containing items about -Soviet Russia, and in one there was, some particularly fine photography. “I would like to make a statement,” said Riley. “All right, I will hear you,” said the Magistrate. “I am secretary, pro tern, of the Labour Defence League,' a workingclass organisation looking after the dependents of ‘class-war prisoners,’ ’’ said Riley. “I work long hours /and have matters to clear up. A lot of finance is concerned, and I have other organisational work to do which I would like to complete. If 'I, am granted a just bail I think that oous’d be arranged,” , \ . . , He agreed to report to the police once or twice a day. “I don’t see why we should be called up to . assist bondsmen,” said Sub-Inspector G. B. Edwards.

Bail was fixed at £2OO and one sure- i ty of £200.' ' ' V; :