ALLEGED SEDITION.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 July 1916, Page 2

ALLEGED SEDITION.

newspaper prosecuted. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Palinerston X., July 57. At the Magistrate's Court, before Mr. Hewitt, S.M., Uvo charges of alleged seditions publication were preferred against P. C. Freetli, editor of the Manawatu Daily Times. The charges were: (1) On May 27, 1!H(>, at Palmcrston he did publish, in the Manawatu Daily Times, matter indicating disloyalty in respect of the war in a letter over the signature of "Shirker"; (2) on May 27, 1910, he did publish matter likely to interfere with recruiting, in a letter over the signature, "Shirker." Defendant pleaded not. guilty. Mr. Meredith appeared for the prosecution and Mr. Cooper for deiendant. Mr. Meredith said lie wanted to disnvoid any suggestion on the part of the editor or management of the paper of disloyal sentiment. On the contrary, the editor dealt trenchantly and fearlessly with questions arising out of the war, and always maintained a strong patriotic attitude. The letter in question contained sentiments that practically verged on rani; sedition, and in a subsequent issue Mr. Kreeth criticised and disavowed the letter, but its publication was considered prejudicial at the present time. Publication of the letter was admitted. Mr. Coope- said there was nothing in the letter that could be construed into anything that was prejudicial to recruiting. He asked his Worship to look at the witter from a broad point of view, and he would say the effect would :io( 1 turn one man awav from lighting for his country. The letter appealed Jod certain class who would never e;ili« *"u these were a negligible quantity, .'ere was nothing to indicate disloyalty 1 '-'iie letter. It was insulting, no do.ibi to legislators and men with capital. His Worship said the reference niigli saise the thought in some minds that rich men should first part with wealth before other men should enlist. Mr. (,'ooper said he would submit wi'\ some issues of the paper showing U« #i titude on the present crisis, also editorial comment on "Shirker's'' lctL-! which showed the editor's broad-minde.i and patriotic attitude. Counsel further stated that the publication of the letter had not interfered with the last reinforcements from Palmcrston; as a matter of fact, it was over strength. Pierce Charles Frccth, managing i ':- tor of the Manawatu Daily Times, said he had received innumerable letters on the present situation and selected one, ••Shirker's," for publication, and ha ! dealt with it editorially a few days later. He had entirely disagreed with the sentiments contained in the article. Sir. Meredith: Have you any objection to giving the name of the contributor? . Witness: I object to giving the name of an anonymous writer. Mr. Meredith said it had been suggested that "Shirker Y' letter was not likely to interfere with recruiting, but asked if "Shirker's'' would have been allowed to address a public meeting and use the words he did in the letter. Counsel replied, "No." Portions of the letter were read, sug-gr-iuig that men should not light for "the wool kings and luonied classes." There was a. further suggestion that those who enlisted would be dancing to piping politicians. T.here was no suggestion of disloyalty on the part of defendant, but allowing the publication of such letters "as ".Shirker's" was introducing the writer to a much larger assemblage than he would get in any other way. As Mr. Freetli refused to give the writer's name, he contended that the editor was responsible for the publication of the letter, which had been a distinct breach of the regulations.

His Worship said lie would take time to consider the matter. The case, if defendant was convicted, would evidently be one for a nominal line, lie would reserve judgment.