NO TIME FOR DRILL.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1538, 6 September 1912, Page 4

NO TIME FOR DRILL.

CADET'S PATHETIC STORY. An Australian cadet told a pathetic story at North Sydney Court last week, declaring he would sooner go to gaol than do tho drills. The magistrate said that it was very unwise of him to speak like that. "I mean it," was tho boy's reply. "I have a good character from my employer, I do my work faithfully, and I have long hours. My father is dead. My mother died only four months ago. I and my brother aro the solo support of the family. I am tired out when I get home, and it is as much as I can do to . look after the house, which is not our' own yet, and which I have to keep touching up. I have eight brothers and sisters, nil under IG, to look after." "It may bo hard," said the magistrate, "but I have to administer tho Act." "I am not a 'kid'." answered the cadet. "I have to fulfil tho duties of a father. You will find from my credentials that my character is a good one." Tho magistrate: I have nothing to do with your character. "I. am trying to better myself," said the youth, "and T wouldn't: bo able to carry out my studios if I had to drill. If the Court orders mc to go to drills, I won't do so. I will put up with tho consequences." "That is a matter for yourself," said the magistrate. "You are ordered to make up 28 hours* deficiency, and I will give yon threo months in which to do it. You will also have 21 hours in which to pay Gs. costs.