COURT-MARTIAL.

Hokitika Guardian, 5 April 1917, Page 3

COURT-MARTIAL.

Insubordination Charges. Wellington, April 2 A court-martial is hearing charges -of insubordination against Privates Alexander Baxter, Archibald M’Coll, Lgarmont Baxter, John Baxter and William Little, the three last-named members of the Twenty-sixth Reinforcements, and the first-named of tbe Twenty-seventh. The case against Alexander Baxter will 'be taken separately. The other throe were charged with having on March 27 f while under dateutiou, refused to obey the command of a superior officer to ■change into detention clothing. Accused pleaded not guilty. After tbe evidence for the projection had been heard, A, M. L Baxter said he did not consider himself to ba a soldier. He was arrested and taken to camp without notice. Ho was a shearer aud had been arrested under section 35 of the Military Service Act. He never took the oath or anything like that. He did not dispute the law, but refused to do what be believed to be wrong. John Baxter and Little said that their attitude on tbe sub j act was the same as that of tbe other accused.

The verdict of the Court was not disclosed. Alexander Baxter was then oharged with having, while under dotention, refused to work when ordered to do so. He pleaded not guilty, and claimed that be was not a soldier, as he had not been sworn in. The verdiot was not announced.