DEFENCE PROSECUTIONS.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1383, 8 March 1912, Page 6

DEFENCE PROSECUTIONS.

t COOKE RELEASED BY GOVERNMENT FURTHER ARRESTS. The Prime Minister stated on Wednesday that Cabinet had decided to order the release of the young man named Cooke, who had been sentenced at Christchurch to fourteen days' imprisonment for non-compliance with the Defence Act and refusing to pay a fine. The release was being ordered, the Prime Minister added, with the concurrence of the Commandant (General Godloy). The Act having been affirmed', there was no desire to vindictively press it further. Cooke, would therefore be released at once. lUt Tsleeraph—Press Association.) Christchurch, March 7. There were two further arrests this morning for failure, to pay fines inflicted for breaches of tho Defence Act, Edward lienry Edwards, who failed to pay a line and costs.aniounting to £'i 10s.; was taken to Lyttefton to work"' out the alternative of twenty-one days' imprisonment. Walter James Hooper, who failed to pay a similarfiiie, was taken iu charge for a similar term. It is understood that warrants are out for tho arrest of five others who have broken the Act and failed to submit to penalties inflicted by a magistrate. Auckland, March 7. At the Police Court to-day the cases of 48 young men charged with having failed to render personal service under Part 6 of the Defence Act, 1909, were dealt with. A good many names were not answered to, several having been pronounced medically unfit for service. Host of the accused pleaded guilty, and offered no objection to the decision of the Court. Fines of .£2 nnd 7s. costs were imposed in some cases. Others showed good cause for exemption, and their excuses were given attention to. Others were lot off on paying costs. Several stated that they would not pay the fine.