POLICE COURT

Evening Star, Issue 24284, 27 August 1942, Page 2

POLICE COURT

THURSDAY, AUGUST 27. (Before Mr H. J. Dixou, S.M.) FAILED TO REPORT. Robert William Francis Paterson, single, aged 2 1, pleaded gui.ty to a charge of failing to report for military duties.—Seniorsergeant Black stated that defendant was ordered to report in February last. He was then a resident of Palmerston North Defendant received notice at the same time as a younger brother, who was badly injured at that period in a motor accident. The latter went to a hospital and defendant took his brother’s levy book and discharge, by which means he secured employment. He was arrested in Dunedin on August 19 under the name of Jack Paterson. When questioned, he gave as an excuse for not reporting that he was very worried about his brother. Mr Dixon sentenced him to one month’s imprisonment, thereafter to be detained in a defaulters' camp If defendant were prepared to serve in the Army he might be allowed to do so. Dennis George Wethcrall, married, aged t'3, also ’leaded guilty to a similar charge. Senior-serg-ant Black said Wetherall was ordered to rtnon in July last, but he went for a holiday and could not be located.— Lieutenant Moynahan, of the Army Records, stated that defendant had been given considerable latitude by the Man Power Committee and the Army, but finally, when he did not report after repeated promises to do so. he was posted as a defaulter. However, the authorities asked permission to withdraw the charge now, iubj?(t lo the court’s approval, as defendant vas willing to go into camp iminedintclv Mr Dixon convicted defendant and ordered him to come up for sentence if called upon within six months.