DISOBEDIENT RESERVISTS

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 300, 7 September 1918, Page 6

DISOBEDIENT RESERVISTS

FAIL TO PARADE FOE MEDICAL' ' EXAMINATION. By Telegraph-Press Association. Christchurch, September 6. Before a District Court-martial ten day three reservists were charged with! rciusing to obey the lawful cqmmanda of their superior officer in failing to parade for medical examination. James 'Smyth Walker, a labourer; and 'Frank Kobhison, a moulder,' who each acknowledged do military authority, were found guilty, and Robinson was sentenced to eleven months' imprisonment and Walker to twelve months.

. The other, accused was Noel Goldsbury, accountant.and assistant secretary to the Cliristohurch Technical College. Captain Livingstone said Goldsbury had been called in the eighteenth; ballot in May last.. The'case was an ■unusual one in that had the accused not laid himself open to the present charge ho "might have been excused for service, sinco ho belonged to a roligious hotij which did not approve of military service, and _the beliefs of which were respected by the Act. There was, however, by the Act no immunity from' medical examination, and tho Manual of. Military Law. made if quite clear i'tliat religious scruples offered no. justification for neglect or refusal to obey orders. The accused might contend that ho'.was entitled to have his appeal heard before being called-upon fop medical examination, but there was no justification for that contention. The case was adjourned to enable the accused, to call witnesses.