THE GAUDIN CASE.

King Country Chronicle, Volume IX, Issue 738, 20 January 1915, Page 5

THE GAUDIN CASE.

INTEREST IN AUSTRALIA. NEWSPAPER COMMENTS. Receiver] Tuesday, 8.15 p.m. Melbourne, Tuesday. The Argus in a leader on the Gaudin case, says: Having regard to the nature of the evidence the sentence was amazing. After reviewing the nature of the charge, the constitution of the Court and procceedings, it adds: Public opinion in New Zealand is shocked at these proceedings, and with good reason. Gaudin acted.foolishly, but hia motives were not criminal. His actions were suspicious because he was among friends for whom he sought to do favours, including several Germans; but his actions m themselves were perfectly harmless. The Court was informed by overwhelming and unquestioned testimony of two important facts: Gaudin's intentions were innocent, and that injury had not, and could not, have resulted from his actions. A Civil Court could have, ordered a light punishment. In such circumstances, admitting that at war time it is undesirable an offence of this k ; nd should go unpunished, it argues tho case could have been met by imposing a fine of, say, £100; but instead, three military judges, against whose sentence there is no appeal, deprived Gaudin of his liberty for five years. Apparently the only one method any mitigation can be hopsd for is by appeal to the Governor. This case shows what may happen when military authorities take over