AN ASSAULT CASE.

Taranaki Daily News, 28 November 1921, Page 2

AN ASSAULT CASE.

SOME UNUSUAL FEATURES. TALK OF BOLSHEVISM. By Telegraph—Press Association. Wellington, Nov. 25. Unusual features were connected with a charge of assault brought at the Magistrate’s Court to-day, on the information of Douglas J. B. Seymour, against Cliff Marshroberis, who was described as a tutor. Marshroberts, who was not represented by counsel, pleaded guilty. In outlining the case counsel for the complainant said complainant was a law clerk. Prior to taking up law he was employed as organiser for the Workers Educational Association in Wellington, and when he. resigned the position was filled by defendant. Defendant had a conversation with complainant, about the duties and during the conversation it transpired, alleged counsel, that Marshroberts held Bolshevik views. Defendant had revealed himself, said counsel. He said he met Lenin in Switzerland, and thoroughly approved of his principles. He further stated that Bolshevism was evidently an attitude of mind, and had nothing constructive about it. Since then defendant had proved by his actions that Bolshevism was not merely an attitude of mind, but an attitude of fists as well. Complainant took steps to inform the authorities. Defendant later went to Hastings, and there, it was stated, he slandered a number of ’men| prominent in public life. Then he went to Palmerston North in connection with the Workers’ Educational Association, and there, counsel alleged, slandered the Borough Council, which retaliated by cutting out its subsidy to the association. An inquiry was held by the Victoria College Council, and Marshroberts was dismissed. He came on to Wellington, and, meeting Seymour in the street, and thinking that that gentleman was responsible for his dismissal, assaulted him. Defendant came out to New Zealand as an English clergyman, but did not take up duties here. Marshroberts said that he admitted having lost his temper under “grave provocation” and struck complainant. The magistrate imposed a fine of 40s and costs. '