DISLOYAL UTTERANCES.

Taranaki Daily News, 30 March 1917, Page 6

DISLOYAL UTTERANCES.

YOUNG MAN SENTENCED TO TWO MONTHS' HARD.

Alphonsus Hughie Parsons pleaded "not guilty, by all means" to a charge of making ikn foltowing disloyal statements:—

"King Edward was only a poofter." "Kitchener was only a b—. German.'' "The heads of tUs British navy are all b—- Germans." "When the H.M.S. New Zealand e»m» to New Zealand they were all b— Germans on board looking round New Zealand." "Don't be silly I and go to the ffmit; that b Kitchener will stem, yea." "I would sooner be hung than. %J»t for tha British." Accused wis not represented by counsel. Senior Servant Bowden prosecuted t Samuel Jakloli. restaurant keeper at New Plymouth, deposed that on Saturday night accused came into his restaurant at about ten minutes to ten, and said "King Edward was a poofter!" as soon as lis was seated zi th» table lis made use of the words with which he was charged, and also added that he would rather shoot himself than fight for the British. Witness sent for the police to listen, and as accused left the room he made similar remarks in a loud voice in the presence of ladies. Accused had had a few drinks, but was not drunk, though he had two bottles of beer in his pocket. Accused's statements were most disloyal. To accused: There were a lot having refreshments at the time. ■

Accused: You are a foreigner* and you take British money. When I paid you my hard-earned money was anyone present? Witness: Yea; some ladies.' Accused: You swear that? Thos. J. Crone, employed at the telegraph office, gave evidence as to having heard the remarks complained of. Accused appeared to be pretty sober, having about three drinks in. Reginald Horsup gave corroborative evidence. Accused cross-examined witness as to whether he did not wish accused to hit him, so that he could send for the police. Witness said that he was able to take his own part without the assistance of the police. Accused threatened to poke witness' eyes out when witness reI sented his remarks.

John Clarke, telegraph employee, also gave corroborative evidence. Senior Sergeant Bowden submitted that it was a serious case, and asked for a heavy penalty. Accused, sworn, stated he got paid on Saturday, and in a lengthy statement outlined his movements on that evening, showing that he had had several drinks, purchased clothes and other i things. ■He had supper at the restaurant, no one- being there at the time. Four or five youths were running out and in. Witness had been a good citizen, and denied that lie made the remarks alleged. One of the fellows wanted to fight, but witness said it would be a pity to spoil his face. He denied using the ianguage complained of. The King and Queen had nothing to do with him. His father was an old man-of-warsnian. and had fought here. To the senior sergeant: He had onlisted in Auckland and while waiting had to sell his shirt and clothes.

The senior sergeant: You are not registered, are you? The magistrate said that there was nD Question that the words came within Ihc regulations of persuading pebple not to go to the front, not that anyone would take any notice, but that was not the fault of accused. This could not be passed over in war time. He would sentence him to two months' imprisonment with hard laljor.