DESERTER’S STRANGE STORY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 1765, 15 December 1917, Page 3

DESERTER’S STRANGE STORY.

CHARGE AGAINST EMPLOYER. Wanganui, Dec. 13. A case presenting remarkable features was heard at the Magistrate’s Court to-day, when Douglas Campbell Woldie, a farmer, of Upper Waitotara, was charged with inciting Michael Killalea not to render the services required of him as a member of the Expeditionary Forces. * Killalea, who came to the Dominion from Ireland a few years ago, said that, when he received notice that he had been called up, Woldie told him to plant himself on the section, and assisted witness to make a dug-out which was concealed with branches in a lonely spot. Witness stayed seven weeks in this hole, and Woldie occasionally used to bring him a piece of bread. Then rain flooded the dug-out and a fresh hole was dug in higher country. Altogether witness was hiding for nine months, working in the day for Woldie, and making for the retreat if strangers were reported in the district. Witness said Woldie informed him (hat (he military authorities were shooting deserters in Wellington or taking them out to sea and dropping them overboard. He was afraid to give himself up, as he believed he would be shot. Finally witness made for the bush, where the.police located and apprehended him. The police witness said Killalea was; a physical wreck when arrested. He appeared normal, but a simple, countrified sort of man. Inspector Hendry said the charge against Woldie was a serious one. If convicted the maximum penalty would be three years. Defendant pleaded not guilty, and was committed for (rial, the bail totalling £3OO. '