W.E.A. TUTOR IN TROUBLE.

Shannon News, 29 November 1921, Page 1

W.E.A. TUTOR IN TROUBLE.

Mi! MARSH ROBERTS ELS'EU FOR ASSAULT. Unusual features were connected with a charge oß'assault which was brought in the Magistrte’s Court today on the information of Douglas J. R. Seymour, against C. H. IviarshRobegts, who was described as a tutor. Mr Marsh-Roberts, who was not represented by counsel, pleaded guilty. In outlining the case, counsel for complainant said the complainant was a law clerk. Prior to taking up law, he was employed as an organiser .lor the Workers’ Educational Association at Wellington. When he resign ed, the position was filled by the defendant, who' had a conversation wild the complainant about bis duties. During the conversation, it transpired that Mr Marsh-Roberts held Bolshevik views. Defendant had revealed himself, said -counsel. He said he had met Lenin in Switzerland, and thoroughly approved of his principles. He luriher stated that Bolshevism was evidently an attitude of mind, and nothing constructive about it Since then, defendant- had proved by his actions that Bolshevism was not merely an -attitude of mind, hut an attitude of fists as well. Mr Seymour, continued counsel, considered the positon of so serious a nature that he informed the authorities at Victoria College of what the accused had said, and an inquiry was held. At that inquiry -Marsh-Roberts evidently bamboozle'd the authorities. He claimed to be as Jesuitical as anyone, and, to use his own'words, as innocent as a “sucking dove.” Subsequently, he went to Hastings, and counsel sa]d lie had good authority lor saying that when there Ihe defendant slandered his Honour the Chief Justice and a good many other persons at the same time. Then he went to Palmerston North in connection with the W.E.A., anti counsel alleged, slandered the Borough Council, which retaliated by cutting out its subsidy to the Association. An inquiry was held by the Victoria College Council, and The Kiwi tea County Council with He came 011 to Wellington, anil meeting- Mr Seymour in the street, thim; ing that gentleman responsible for his dismissal, assaulted him. The debmdant came out to New Zealand as m English clergyman, but did not ink > up duties here. Mr Marsh-Roberts said that he mi mitted having lost his temper, uih-i “grave provocation,” and si ruck .ro-n . plainant. The Magistrate imposed a fine of 40s and costs.