A False Declaration

Horowhenua Chronicle, 21 December 1916, Page 2

A False Declaration

4 Hamilton, Dec. 18. The first prosecution for a false declaratio under the Military Service Act was heard to-day. A young man who was cohabiting with a woman dared himself in the national registration return to be a married mm. w'tU one child. Defendant pleaded guii fcy and said his object in thus declaring himself was to pro*3«:t the woman with whom he was living. He had no desire to shirk and was in any case ineligible owing to blindness in one eye. The Magistrate said the Legislature regarded the offence as very, serious, ' and had he thought defendant committed the act to" avoid liability for service he would have sent him to gaol without the option of a fine. He felt inclined, however to believe his story, and fined him £5 and costs.