AUCKLAND RIOTS

Hokitika Guardian, 26 May 1932, Page 3

AUCKLAND RIOTS

FOURTEEN ACCUSED MEN.

DENIAL OF PARTICIPATION

(By Telegraph—Per Press Association)

AUCKLAND, May 25

George Devereaux denied having either struck, or thrown missiles at. any of. the police, during the trial of fourteen men in connection with the recent riots.

His Honour: A witness says that he saw you near where a. constable was lying on the ground, and that you shouted: “Kick the ’s guts it!” Witness: “I deny it absolutely.” The accused, Bourbeau, who took the oath .by affirmation, said that he was a waterside worker. He denied a statement- made by the prosecution that lie had warned .a.-constable -that tlx demonstrators would .be armed. Constable Wilson told him (witness) that the ‘.‘police were goimr to get rieht into it,” and witness told him it would be better if h" used wisdom, and did not talk like that. Counsel for the defence: “What nationality are you?” Witness: “I am of the French people.” , Counsel: “Not a Russian by any chance ” Witness: “No—and 1 don’t believe in rushing things either!” (Laughter). Some amusement was caused when' the same ■ witness, Bourlraii, 'described how he had ;: tried to get across--the roid ami was stopped by “a big fat policeman.’ 1 “Excuse me sir.” he su'd to Hr Judge, “hut he was like that—very portly.” Replying to the Crown Prosecutor. Bourbeau said , that he was formerly a member of the Communist Party, h".‘ Im had severed his connections with it in December last. “Since them,” said witness. “T have been a member of onlv two organisations—the Waterside Workers’ TJnioand the Unemnloyed Association-.,.-' I do not even belong to a Church!” In added. The Crown Prosecutor: “Hut T thirdvon were one of the founders of the Communist- Society in Auckland?” Witness: “What d es G>> t mat er?” His Honour: “Answer tile question!” Witness: “T was one of the early members, and T was a member for four years. T kept niy counsel to myself.” The Crown Prosecutor: “Why did von leave them?” Witness: “I had a slight- difference as fatties, and T resigned.” The Crown Prosecutor; “Tim Com miT’isfio theory is the overthrow of the capitalistic system by force, if necessarv is it not?” Witness: “Not jdi'Hutely so!” Tim Crown Prosecutor: “What c l° von say shout it?” Witness: “T say no! T have not heard it!” The Crown Prosecutor: “You have been convicted o” .selling Communistic literature on two occasions?” Witness: “Yes.” The Crown Prosecutor: “Were yog the librarian of the organisation that distributed this literature?” Witness: “No!” The Crown Prosecutor: “Hut you did distribute it?” Witness: “Yes, certainly!” A number of other accused gave evi deuce. Tlie case was adjourned.