BOGUS JOURNALIST

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1064, 30 August 1930, Page 1

BOGUS JOURNALIST

TRAILED A “STORY” LOOK OUT! THEY’LL KILL ME! With visions of a spectacular “scoop,” Joseph Anderson, a confectioner’s traveller, entered the unofficial ranks of journalism on August IC. Crying “They will kill me if they get me!” he gave a constable the impression that news-getting was a very dangerous business. The fact that he used bad language while tracking his “story” down cost him £2 and expenses at the Police Court today and gave him more “space” in the news columns.

Anderson, a self-possessed young man of 2C, pleaded not guilty to using obscene language In Victoria Street, when, he appeared before Mr. F. K. Hunt, S.M., this morning. With extraordinary assurance, he conducted his own defence, cross-examining witnesses in the most approved legal style.

Evidence was given by James Curran, a barman at the Victoria Hotel, Victoria Street, that Anderson had used obscene language in the hearing of women.

A housemaid at the hotel gave corroborative evidence. “A REPORTER” Constable Stewart said he was standing at the corner of Queen and Victoria Streets when accused came up and said he was a reporter for “New Zealand Truth.” “He said the Victoria Hotel was full of men who were drinking,” said witness. “He wanted to get admittance to get a ‘story’ for his paper, but had been refused. There were also a number of plain-clothes men in the hotel, according to his story.” Witness went into a telephone box to ring the central station for instructions. While he was in the box accused came running back and cried,, “Look out! They will kill me if they get me! ”

Tn a few minutes the licensee of the hotel came along and said to the constable, “Take no notice of that man. He’s always troubling me.” He then went away.

Witness started to take a statement from accused, when the proprietor came back and said he wanted to lay a charge of bad language against Anderson.

‘‘Was Anderson sober?’’ asked Senior-Sergeant Powell. Witness; He had had a few drink 3, but seemed sober enough. He was arrested yesterday. AFTER A “STORY”

Accused then went into the witnessbox at his own request. “So you said you were a newspaper man?” asked the magistrate. “Why did you say that?” Witness; To make the police take notice.

“You said you had a chance to get a ’story’?”—Yes. Mr. Hunt: Have you ever written a newspaper “story”?—No. but it would have been a good story for the paper. “Well, this will be a good one for all the papers,” said Mr. Hunt.

“He doesn’t seem to me to be altogether responsible,” said the magistrate, in fining accused £2 and costs, the fine to be paid forthwith. Accused: Can’t. I have time to pay? Mr. Hunt: No, you can send out for it.

“Wei!, can X go up to collect my wages?” asked Anderson. Mr. Hunt: Yes. A constable will go with you. “Righto,” said Anderson as he left tho dock.