OBSTRUCTING A CONSTABLE

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 203, 22 May 1919, Page 6

OBSTRUCTING A CONSTABLE

RETURNED SOLDIERS MUST CON--I'OR.U TO THE LAW. Hy Telegraph—l'rc.is Association. • CHristchurch, May 21. At the Magistrate's Court to-day, before Mr. M'Carthy, S.M., two men pleaded guilty to obstructing a constable in tho execution of his duty. Sub-Inspector Mullany stated that on the evening of April 5' Constable Hurley was arresting a man at Sydenham, when Tie two accused caught hold oi him and so hampered his movements that tho prisoner escaped, and was not subsequently cauglit. Tho accused, in excuse for iheir conduct, stated to tho Court 'that the constable was arresting a returned soldier. "It is time," said the Magis. trate. "tlnit a certain section of the public should get rid of the idea that the returned soldiersaro to be allowed to do exactly as thoj[ like on their return: We fully appreciate what they have done for us wliile' they have been away, but New Zealand would bo a pandemonium if tho very few returned men who do themselves were allowed to do so without restraint. if they commit offences they tmwt receive the same treatment as ordinary civilians." A fine of .£5 was imposed in each ca;.e, tho alternative bc-ing fixed at two months' imprisonment.