SUBVERSIVE LEAFLETS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 28 May 1940, Page 7

SUBVERSIVE LEAFLETS

COMMUNIST SENT TO GAOL. EX-RESIDENT OF MASTERTON. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) INVERCARGILL, May 27. John Edward Lawrence, aged 32, railways carpenter, came before Mi Justice Kennedy in the Supreme Court today, for sentence on two charges of distributing subversive leaflets. He also pleaded guilty to two charges oi publishing these leaflets. When asked if he had anything to say, Lawrence said that he had always been a supporter of home defence. He had been a member of the Territorials, but did not agree with the Government’s policy of sending men overseas. The Crown Prosecutor, Mr Macalister, said that accused was born in Hastings and educated at Masterton. He had worked for the Railways Department at Pctone, Otahuhu, Addington and Invercargill. He was a good worker and of sober habits. He had been a member of the Communist Party fci several years, and had been in direc. communication with Russia before the war. He was secretary of the local branch of the Communists. “While this whole Empire is at war with a cruel enemy who has no respec, for women or children, while men arc pouring out the treasure of their lives to defend them and you and me. you are going about in peace trying to dissuade others from doing their duty. You have been distributing pamphlets intended to exhibit their folly at being dupes to those who stay at home." said the Judge. "This is something nc country would tolerate at such a time. At no time would it be tolerated in the country you profess to admire and where your punishment would be quick aiid final." The accused was sentenced to six months' hard labour on the two charges of publishing and was convicted on the charges of distributing.