MOCK MILITARY COURT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3726, 6 December 1927, Page 3

MOCK MILITARY COURT.

The Returned Soldiers were no respecters of persons when on active duty on Saturday afternoon during the holding of the “mock court,” although the fines inflicted were in no case excessive, or beyond the means of those placed under arrest. A gaily decorated lorry was used for the staging of the court. The judge, in officer’s unL form and smoking a huge cigar, dealt out severe reprimands and extracted fines from the unfortunates. The prosecutor was a Jack Tar of Scottish descent and caustic wit. Upon the platform, as or-

derly, was a coloured gentleman gaudily attired. “Old Bill,” true to Bainsfather’s character, and a typical “Digger,” made no bones about the arresting and bringing those charged to trial —if not to justice. Citizens were charged with all manner of offences and pleas of “not guilty” found no sympathy with the judge. Several ladies were also escorted to the platform and were penalised or gave an order on their husbands. The Hon. Edward Newman, M.L.C., (late member, foi this ConstituencyL happened to be passing through per motor ear and was held up to ransom and cheerfully parted up. He was then brought before the Court and accorded three hearty cheers for the good work done on behalf of the dependants' of the men who lost their lives in the mercantile marine, and who are being trained at Flock House. The Hon. Mr. Newman delivered a short address to those assembled and congratulated the local

returned soldiers’ committee upon their enterprise. He also referred to the Flock House scheme. Business men, farmers, and spectators faced the ordeal in good oxace and the crowd were kept well amused. The. fines are to be devoted to the purchasing of toys and entertaining the children of returned men at a later date.