THE ALLEGED DESERTER

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2861, 28 August 1916, Page 4

THE ALLEGED DESERTER

NAME NOT JET DIVULGED." Tiie Defence Minister (the Hon. J. .■Ujen) stated yesterday that ho could ncfc yot divulge the name of the man reported to have deserted to the enemy at ihe front. He has been informed of the incident only \inofficially by the High Commissioner. He has telegraphed to Brigadier-General Uichardson for official information to confirm or correct the unofficial message from the High Commissioner. To that telegram Mr. Alien has not yet received a reply, and it is his present intention to make no further announcement until be gets the official information for which he* is waiting. He considers that it would bo a grievous wrong to the relations of the man whoso name he has were he.to publish information which might later prove to be incorrect.

In consequence of certain reports which reached the authorities on Saturday, a force of police, supported, by a strong body of artillerymen from Featherston camp, proceeded to one of the Wairarapa. districts in readiness to maintain order, if necessary, in case of a threatened demonstration against the family and property of a man whoso identity was suspected in ■ connection with "the case of desertion at the front. Oh arriving st the locality, the police found a considerable crowd of people and there was evidence of some excitement, hut nothing happened. ,