THE MAN WHO DIDN'T CARE

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3101, 4 June 1917, Page 8

THE MAN WHO DIDN'T CARE

EXTRAORDINARY CASE AT CHRISTCHURCH

MILITARY RESERVIST 1 'CHARGED

By Tclejjsaph-Preaa 'Association. Christchurch, June 2. Henry William Reynolds, bootmaker, was- by court-martial at the barw.ks to-day (hi a charge of fulling to attend a military medical examination. Miy.or W. Morison presided. The acoused, who was not defended, declared that ho took no interest in the proceedings. His demeanour caused the president to advise him to treat the Court with respect. As he refused to plead, the Court entered a pica o[ not guilty on his behalf.' *

Major Grcsson prosecuted, and said (he accused was a Reservist under the .Military Service Act, having been drawn in tho sixth ballot. Evidence was given regarding Reynolds's failure to attend the examination. Accused told Captain Northcote he would not be made a military slave.

Accused told the Court he would call no witnesses, nor would he give evidence on oath; but he stated that he was an anti-militarist and something of a battered target for the military authorities. Ho had been sent to prison for various ternis through the action of the military. Too Obstinate to Help Himself. After evidence had been heard, the President eif the Court said that it appeared tb'at Reynolds was a Reservist in the Second Division, and if that were so, hu ted no right to be there at all, but the Military Scrvipe Act threw tho onus Oi proving that a Reservist had been placed in the wrong division on the man concerned. If Reynolds was a widower with three children he was in the Second Divisiog. Did he wish to establish that fact? Reynolds: .1 don't wish to establish anything. I ignore the whole thing! l'he President: It id rather difficult to help a man like you. Major Gresson said lliat as a matter of law the Court hail no option but to accept the affirmation of tlie prosecution, unless Reynolds established it otherwise. :

Reynolds: I" wish to do my duly to my countrymen. The President: 1 should have thought ■Jour first duty was to your family. The President again urged the prisoner to help himself. If tie hearing.were adjourned would' He. (Reynolds) produce oopies of liie marriage certificates and birth certificate of his youngest child? Reynolds: J don't know that I have copies.

The President: You can get them. Reynolds declared that he was prepared to suffer. He would let tilings go and take his medicine. It was then announced that the decision of the Court would be forwarded to the Officer Commanding for confirmation. Reynolds was removed in custody.