COURT-MARTIAL IN AUCKLAND

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3040, 29 March 1917, Page 6

COURT-MARTIAL IN AUCKLAND

BALLOTED MAN'S ATTEMPT TO EVADE SERVICE VERDICT OF GUILTY By Telegraph—Press Association. Auckland, March 28. Thomas M'Geo, a member of the Expeditionary Force, was court-mar-tialled and charged that on. March 1, without having received a permit, and with intent to avoid service, ho. had attempted! to leave New Zealand on the steamer Kurow, then about to . leave Auckland for Newcastle. In reply to the Court, Mr; Taylor, for M'Gee, said that after considering his position, M'Gee had decided to plead guilty.. His client felfc his position keenly, and sought the mercy of the Court. .•'*■' According to the evidence at the preliminary inquiry, accused was drawn in the third ballot, and appealing on February. 19, was granted exemption until Marcli 31. Mr. Taylor said he was doubtful as to the desertion, for it would have been possible for the accused to get to Newcastle and return to New Zealand beforo the dato up to which he had; been granted exemption. M'Gee had madp. the acquaintance of a foreigner, and with' him had gone aboard the Kurow. Hβ was in a nervous aiid dazed condition at the time. He had now been 28 dkys under arrest, and pleaded that he be sent to Trentham, and given an opportunity of proving that he was not an abandoned renegade. Several testimonials as to the accused's character were handed in. Accused was. found 1 guilty. The Court announced that the sentence would be made known after it had been confirme'd'by the Officer Commanding the District. • • '