COURT MARTIAL.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 August 1927, Page 2

COURT MARTIAL.

(by Telegraph—Per Press Association.)

AUCKLAND, Aug. 23.

A naval court martial was held on D.M.S. Philomel, at Devonport, when Gunner Percy Dennis Rant was charged with leaving the naval base on two occasions while on duty as commanding officer; and officer of the day of 11..M.5. Philomel; with leaving the ship on two occasions while under arrest. and with borrowing money from a rating to the prejudice of good older and naval discipline.

Accused admitted the three charges relating to leaving the ship while under arrest, and wrongfully borrow-

ing money. Lieutenant .T. H. Venville. of HALS. Philomel, said that accused was officer of the day on June 25-116, and was also carrying out duties of commanding officer on (lie afternoon of Saturday. June 25th. Accused asked witness for permission to go as far as the boundary gates of the Lise. This was granted, but witness no permission for accused to leave the base.

Bugler S. J, L. Chapman, Royal Marines, said that -lie was returning to the. base from the Devonport wharf about 8.30 p.m. on the evening of June 25. when bo was offered a ride in a taxi cab. When lie got in the taxi lie l found accused there with two women, and he was driven back to the base with them. On arriving be got out and left accused in the taxi, which then drove round ta H.M.S. Philomel.

Corporal E. Parsons, Royal Marines, said lie was on gate duty early in the morning of June 20. Accused left the base in a car shortly after midnight, and returned again at 1.45 a.m. Accused said he had asked Lieutenant Venville for permission to leave the base. This was granted, and lie assumed Lieutenant Venville would carry out his duties for him, while he was away. He told the Corporal on the gate as he passed through that the first lieutenant was the officer of the day. and that he should telephone to the ship to that effect. He considered he had not acted wrongly. He had been under arrest ever since June 23. He had carried out. his duties in that period without leave. The Court found accused not guilty on one charge of leaving the base while on duty as commanding officer and officer of tile day, and re the remaining charges, accused was dismissed from H.M.S. Philomel. He was also ordered to forfeit six month s seniority, and was severely repinianded.