CASE ADJOURNED

Hokitika Guardian, 21 December 1933, Page 5

CASE ADJOURNED

AGAINST O’BUFFY

A CASE OF “THINK FIRST.”

United Press Association —By Electria Teiegrapb—Copyright.)

(Received this day at 11.50 a.m.) LONDON, December 20

Despite a protest by General O’Duffy’s Bar, including three King’s Counsel, the habeas corpus application was adjourned till to-morrow. An affidavat by the driver of O’Duffy’s ear stated that O’Duffy and his companions wor© overcoats, and only small por-ions of their blue shirts were visible. .Supporters carried O’Duffy to the platform and clamoured fo,- him to speak. Directly he spoke the Superintendent of Police arrested him. O’Duffy had been give no warning that the meeting was illegal. v Mr Costello, for the defence, Said that the Superintendent, though .aware of the habeas corpus application, changed defendants from civil- to military -custody. “It is a case of’arresting first, and then thinking out the charge. I kno"' of nothing more-outrageous.” Mr Justice Johnston; “The complaint in the charge is not indicated.” Mr Gavan Duffy, for the prosecution, said ; “I do not want to occupy time unnecessarily,” Mr Johnston; “'My tjme is of small account compared with the liberty of the men. From the material submitted, no offence lia.s been committed. Prima facie, they are perfectly innocent, and illegally detained. I will adjourn the case to enable the Superintendent to reply. .