RESERVIST IN COURT.

Hokitika Guardian, 8 March 1917, Page 4

RESERVIST IN COURT.

Charge of Failing to Register

Wellington, Match 5

There was a somewhat extrarrd nary development in a case hea d n tbe Magistrate's Oiurt today, A man namtd John WiitUaw was called upon to answer ibe following charges —(1) That on Ma'cb 3, 1917, he did refase to answer questions relative to his enrolment in the reserve, as required by the Military Service Act, 1916 ; (2) being required to make application to be enrolled in tbe reserve, ha did fail to do so. This is the first instance in which the police have taken action iel.tr e to the fir.-t mentioLed charge The accused pleaded not guilty. Constable Smith gave i s to effecting the arrest of Whitelaw at Kilbirnie, in company with Constable Wallace. When questioned by th 9 constable on Saturday, accused refused to give any inform*'ion concerniog his enrolment. He said, “ You go and report to yoar head men and tell them you have a min who refuses to answer questions.” He absolutely defied the constable to take action.

Defendant (to :be constable): Did I say to you, “ I seat in the registration form ? ” —Nj. You abiolute’y refused totay anything at all. Did I a;.y, “I cannot discuss the matter farther wth you P”—Ya.* 'Th?u you lodged ms in the lockup, which I contend is a •• criminal ” act. I think the nation bas gone mad.

Constable Wallace said he went to Kilbirnie to arrest Whitelaw. Accused then said, “I refuse to answer any questions regarding my enrolment.” In giving evidence on hie own behalf, Whitelaw adopted a pecnliar attitude. He said be had sent in his form of registration, but he had not proof beyond the fact that "he had a copy at home, and also his own w v ord of honour. Accused then proceeded to roundly condemn the post officials, who, he said, had abused him in every way. “I have turnsd the post office down for ever,” he gravely announced, “and I will never post another letter there.”

Recounting his arrest, Whitelaw said that he had given a constable a wallet which, on acconnt of its precious and confidents! contents, he bad requested should be sealed. In answer to this the constable in question said that the “ precious contents ” consisted of certain pound notes and two con-registration tickets. (Laughter). Accused continued to make vague references and accusations, The Magistrate (Mr L. G. Reid, S.M.) interrupted : “Defendant had better be remanded for three days ”