STRATFORD MEN IN DOCK

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 309, 15 December 1936, Page 4

STRATFORD MEN IN DOCK

WINDSOR PARK INCIDENT.

Victim Kidnapped and Held For Ransom

Appearing before Mr Justice Kirkwood, at a sitting of the Supreme Court at Stratford on Saturday, over thirty well known local business and professional men were severally charged and convicted for offences mostly of a serious character. The sitting of the court was remarkable not only for the record number of cases that were dealt with, but for the unfailing regularity with- which prominent men of the town, previously noted for perfect respectability, who were unable to give any explanation of the serious charges against them and who were' accordingly convicted summarily.

In every case action was taken by the authorities, under retrospective legislation, which will be conceived by’ the Government after the unemployment and international' friction problems have been solved. In order not to prejudice the case for the prosecution the haebus corpus and other acts were, in every instance, suspended and no hearing of evidence, either for or against the prisoner, w’as permitted. Being able, thus to take the prisoner’s guilt Xfor granted His Honour was able to devote his entire attention it'd assessing the punishment, he would mete out and his rulings, which were of a broadminded rather than of a narrowly legal character, were remarkable for their illogicality, emotionalism and thoroughgoing injustice.

Eluding Arrest."' 1 The defendants in some, cases had eluded arrest and did not appear in court. Others were discovered by the police force endeavouring, at the last minute, to break bail,, and were arrested and dragged before the tribunal. In other cases defendants had made good their escape and were nowhere to be found. They were dealt with by the judge with savage severity, for the reason that His Honour had "wanted to meet them and shake them by the hand and "was consequently almost heartbroken with disappointment. In this latter category were the Hon, Robert Masters and Mr C. A. Wilkinsop. Masters was charged with failing to master the situation at the last election and Wilkinson with carrying on business while he was independent. Both were fined 10/-. Neither defendant appeared.

Prisoners Calm. - Those who appeared in court did not seem to be distressed by the ignominy which had been brought upon them. Nor were they overawed by’ the dignity and ritual of the court —for the court had neither dignity nor ritual being held in the open air as part of the fun at the gala day at Windsor Park, on Saturday. •

Two Stratford doctors, William and Doris Gordon, provided the moat sensational case_of the day. William Gordon was charged with allowing his wife to run loose and ciuse the trouble and fuss that had occurred • at Windsor Park that day. Remarking that he inclined to be sympathetic the judge fined the defendant 10/-.

Passing sentence on Doris Gordon who was found guilty’ of naming the park “Windsor.” His Honour said that he would have liked io have had that privilege himself. Continuing, he expressed his appreciation of the work that had been done on the park and the transformation that had been effected. .

March to Bowling Green. When the “court” had dealt with all the offenders in sight, Mr Justice Kirkwood ruled that the interests of »4' injustice would be properly served it the last prisoner, one G. Smart, were held for ransom. In close custody, and followed by the band, the judge and the court, he was accordingly lead to the Stratford bowling green where the bowlers submitted to extortion with a good grace and contributed £l/7/3, making the total proceeds of “justice” £9/6/3.