SOLDIERS PUNISHED.

Press, Volume LIII, Issue 15869, 7 April 1917, Page 12

SOLDIERS PUNISHED.

4 SENTENCED TO 81 I>AYS' HAItD LABOUR Tho sontence of the court-martial which tried four prisoners in Wellington on Monday laet on charges of refusing to obey orders were promulgated on Saturday morning. Alexander Baxter, c.hargcd with "disobeying a lawful command given by his superior officer in that lie at Wellington on 21st March, 1917, whilo under detention refused to work when ordered to do so by the N.C.O. in) charge of detention barracks,"' was found guilty and sentenced to 8-1 days' imprisonment with hard labour. Archibald MeColl Uaxter, John Baxter, and William Little, charged with "disobeying a lawful commi; J give ll by their superior officer, in l..at they at Wellington, on 2Lsfc Miuch, 191?, whilst under detention refused to change into detention clothing when ordered to do so by the N.C.0.. in chargo of detention barracks, were also found guilty and sentenced to 84 days' imprisonment with hard labour. The prisoners wcro forthwith removed under military escort .to B .M. Prison. On completing their terms of punishment they will bo sent back into camp as soldiers. The prisoners at the court-martial ■ proceedings contended that thoy were not soldiers as they had not taken the oath, and wero therefore not obliged to obey the orders given.