“RED WORKER”

Hokitika Guardian, 28 May 1932, Page 5

“RED WORKER”

FIVE MEN CHARGED

SELLING TO MEN ON WHARF.

(By .telegraph— Per Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, May 27. Certain alkgeu'.y seditious, passages in issues of “i lie Red Wo.ker,” on tiie fourth and twenty-sixth of April, resulted in the appearance of Richard Francis Griffin, A.cxnmkr Galbraith, Ldslio. Raymond McDowell, Wl-liaui A ex. George .Lockhart and (Edward Hogan, before Mir Rage, S.M., at the Magistrate’s Court to-day on charges involving breaches of the War Regulations. The cases against the three fin-4-iiaineil were adjourned. The only eases proceeded with to-day were those against Lockhart and Hogan, who were charged with selling, or having in their possess ion for- sale or distribution, copies of “The Red Worker,” which, it was alleged, express seditious intentions and advise and encourage lawlessness. v In opening the ease for the prosecution, counsel for the Crown said that Lockhart , was seen outside of the jivharf gate opposite Brandon Street. He had a bundle of “Red Workers” dated 26th, April, and ho was selling them to moh coming off the wharf. Counsel submitted that practically tho whole of tllfil document was seditious. In the first place, it incited the removal of til© Government by other than lawful means, and it promoted hostility between the workers and the employers.

Counsel for the defendant said the cnarge did not appear to lie a very serious one; but, in reality, it was a’ matter of groat importance to a certain class of people in New Zealand. It was unfortunate, under the circumstances, that at the present time people who were charged with sedition were deprived of the rights of trial by jury. He was confident, however, that His Worship would judge the matter with the same consideration as would be given by a jury. , Counsel stated that the present position of the working classes in New Zealand, necessitated the taking of a very decided political! stand to protect their interests.

Mr Page intimated that he would take time to- read “The Red Worker',” and would consider the authorities that hafi been quoted by counsel, before giving his decision. When the case against Hogan was called, Counsel said that the same defence would apply in his case as i n that of Lockhart. Judgment was reserved.