COURT-MARTIAL

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 42, 13 November 1917, Page 6

COURT-MARTIAL

TWO RESERVISTS CHARGED- WITH DESERTION'. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Palmerston N., November 12. A court-martial tried two'caaes to-day, Robert Horace Phillips, of Taraiiaki, who was charged with desertion, and who was arrested when living at an isolated spot, pleaded guilty. "Why I objected to go," he deolared, "was purely because I had. a conscientious objection to fight--IDf'gainst Frank Vincent Gully there was a similar charge. _ Accused road a statement in defenco, in which he said he had received notice to parade for medical examination at Master ton on December IG, 191(1. On December 5 he left Hlnebtra for Maryborough. From that date till December 16 he was drinking heavily. He duly reported at Masterton as ordered, but left the hall as he was under the influence of llouor. Next morning ho vrns ill from the effects of liqnor, and walked out from Masterton towards fenui, and obtained employment as a scrnb-cutter. He mentioned the matter to his fellow workers, who told him that if he gave himself up he would set five years' piol. He worked there three months and then got casual employment at various places. He wos still frightened to report, when arrested for drunkenness at Carterton on October 25 he voluntarily told the police the position. He denied a deliberate intention to evade service.' The finding of the Court in both cases will be promulgated by the confirming officers and be announced later.