LABOUR MEMBER IN COURT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26629, 27 November 1947, Page 5

LABOUR MEMBER IN COURT

LONDON, Nov. 25. Mr Arthur Lewis, Labour M.P. for Upton, an organiser of. the catering workers’ branch of the National Union of the General and Municipal Workers’ Union, was, with 21 others, charged at Bow Street Police Court to-day with obstructing the police during the strike demonstrations outside the Savoy Hotel on November 19.

The Prosecutor said it was surprising that someone who was supposed to legislate should behave as Lewis did. He behaved “ like a complete hooligan struggling, • and shouting: ‘ Press! Press! come and witness this! ’ ” He became more reasonable as he left the scene.

The court granted an application by Lewis for a summons to be issued requiring three newspapermen to give evidence in his defence. Lewis, in evidence, said one of them declined to go to court. He was unable to contact the other tufo.

A police witness said if the police had not intervened on the night Lewis was arrested vehicles delivering oil to the Savoy would have been damaged and the drivers injured. Police-inspector Barnes said Lewis began to struggle when he was arrested. He shouted: “I am a Member of Parliament.” Witness replied that he should go quietly as he was a prisoner. A struggle followed, during which Lewis put his boot between witness’s legs, causing him to fall to the ground with Lewis and another police officer. Lewis shouted: “ Press! Press! Oh, my head,” and turned his face up for press photographers when they ran up to take pictures. The case was adjourned until Monday next. ■