. . . And Whitewash For Reputations

Fortified by expressions of support from all parts of New Zealand (the Socialist Club received a fan mail such as has never been received at Salamanca Road before) and by financial help from numerous unions and individuals, the club decided to fight the case and to establish the right to hold processions. And the judgment of Mr. H, J. Thompson. S.M. confirmed that (to the chagrin of the police and the "Evening Post") such a right did exist. In fact, the Magistrate said that he entirely agreed with Mr. Stout. S.M.'s statement that "the law in New Zealand is the same as that in Britain—namely that persons are entitled to demonstrate and hold processions, to publicly air their views or bring them before the authorities so long as the meetings are orderly and peaceful. This is a cherished right of the British nation and should not be lightly interfered with or curtailed."