COURT MARTIAL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XL, Issue 1821, 2 May 1918, Page 3

COURT MARTIAL.

A' CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTOR.

A court-martial sat on Monday afternoon to hear the case against Alister Beaton, labourer, . Moutoa, who had absented -himself from medical inspection on the 4tfi of April, 1918, The court consisted of Major J, T. Bosworth (president), Captain C. N. Mitchell and Lieut, H. M. Garner. Lieut, J. S. de K. Kirkby prosecuted. ' The accused, who elected to be tried by court-martial, pleaded, “not guilty.” The only witness was Captain McDonald, wRo produced the Gazette notifying the date of medical parade. -When asked why he did not parade, accused admitted being a conscientious objector. • **>■ Cross-examined by the accused, Captain McDonald could not state if the Gazette was" exhibited at the Moutoa Post Office. , Accused admitted receiving 'notification that he was drawn in tho ballot in September or October. Lieut. Kirkby pointed out that being a conscientious objector he had the right to appeal to- the Military Service Board, but there was no re- fe cord that he had done so. Also the issuing of the Gazette was sufficient notification to reservists of the date for, medical inspection, the onus being on them to make themselves acquainted with the date. Accused said he had no statement to make, and the court then closed to consider its finding.