SEDITIOUS UTTERANCE.

Taranaki Daily News, 28 February 1917, Page 5

SEDITIOUS UTTERANCE.

CATHOLIC PRIEST FINED. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Auckland, Last Night. At the police court to-day, a young Catholic priest, Father John Arthur Koche, wis charged with seditious utterances, to wit, '"The Germans are a more civilised nation' than the British. You arc a fool to go to the war." He pleaded guilty. Chief Detective MaeMahon stated that 011 Monday evening a soldier was in conversation with a friend in an hotel commercial room, when defendant came in and was drawn into conversation 011 Irish politics, conscription . and the recent Australian referendum. Defendant had said he was an Australian, and was ignorant thaj, it was an offence against the law, as it was 110 offence in Australia. He had 110 disloyal intent. « Father Holbrook, in reply to the bench, said that he knew defendant regretted using the words and was desirous of returning to Australia. The magistrate said it was not a ease for imprisonment, as the words were not used in a public place, and the circumstances did not show a serious intention of wrong doing. A fine of £5 and costs was inflicted.