HOME GUARD UNIFORMS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 7, Issue 33, 14 December 1943, Page 5

HOME GUARD UNIFORMS

WORN WITHOUT AUTHORITY

OPOTIKI OFFENDER PROSECUTED

Al the Opotiki Police Court before Mr E. L. Walton, S.M„, William Marshall Henry, aged 19 years, of Torero., avhs charged that on November 27 he wore a Home Gunrd uniform while not. on parade.

Accused elected to be dealt- with summarily, and pleaded guilty.

Defendant look up an attitude in which he leaned against the witness box, and the Magistrate, remarked that Home Guard training had apparently not taught him how . to stand*

Sergeant J. Isbister said that deJcndant, was seen by Constable Hat-hie wearing a Home: Guard uniform. Defendant's excuse was that he had fallen in a river and his other clothes were wet. He had given the same excuse on other occasions. Sergeant Isbister said that, on the Coast it was common to see both men and women wearing the uniform or part of it.

Richard Thomas Herald, AV.0.11., in evidence said that defendant was a member of No. J 1 Platoon, Torero. Instructions against wearing uniform on occasions other than parades had. been, published in routine orders and also read out on parades on many occasions. The orders were definitely not being obeyed. The Magistrate said that the prosecution would serve, to draw public attention to the matter. A line of £2 and costs 15s was imposed, defendant being placed under supervision of the. probation officer until the fine and costs arc paid. A similar charge was faced by Arthur Albert Wilkinson. Defendant pleaded guilty. Sergeant Isbister said that, defendant came into town 'in Home: Guard uniform. He said, that lie: had been to see Major Chatllcltl about harvesting personnel, but Maijor Chatfield knew nothing of the supposed visj t.. Defendant was fined £2 with 10s eosts.