The Press-Gang at Work.

Maoriland Worker, Volume 2, Issue 19, 14 July 1911, Page 11

The Press-Gang at Work.

Military Training Prosecutions.

The Defence Department took further proceedings m the Magistrate's Court, Wellington, last Friday against several youths, -who had failed to comply with Part VI. of the Defence Act, 1909, by not registering for service. The first case called was that against William CornisOb., whose father accompanied him to the Court. Mr. P. J. CRegan appeared for the defendant. "William Cornish, you are charged that within the space of six months last past, to wit on the 17th day of June, 1911, being required to be registered under Part VI. of the Defence Act, 1909, you did fail to do so in the manner prescribed. "How plead you? Guilty or Not Guilty?" "Guilty." Mr. O'Regan: If your Worship pleases, accused desires mc to say a word on his behalf. Hs assures your AVorship of no intention to offer the slightest disrespect to you or the Court, for he fully understands that it is your Worship's duty to administer the law. His father, however, is in complete agreement "with ihim in stating that be cannot take any other course—he objects to compulsory military training because he has conscientious objections. Accordingly he desires mc to state that he has no intention of obeying the law in this connection, and he is prepared to take the consequences. His Worship: Very well, you are fined £4, or in default 21 days imprisonment.

Two other cases of failing to register were called against Thomas McGregor and Thomas Scoringe. It was reported that both defendants had now compiled with the law, and they were convicted and discharged.

The case of the youth Arthur Davies, charged w r itE failing to .register under the provisions of the Defence Act, came before Dr. A. McArthur, S.M., again in the Magistrate's Court, Wellington, on July 4th. The information was heard on the Friday previous, when accused pleaded guilty, stating in mitigation that registration would interfere with his trade- His AVorship, in order to give him an opportunity to comply with the Act, adjourned the case till July 4. When defendant was called he failed to answer to nis name and could not be found about the precincts of the Court. His AVorship: There is no appearance of tihis young man. He was warned by mc that it was necessary for him to register and that the excuse lie made to mc w>as no excuse at all. I gave him till this morning to register and told him I would impose a fine, but was taking into consideration his financial position. Ho is now evidently defying the court and though I will not impose the maximum penalty (£5) 1 will fine him £3 with cosfs 7s. I want it known that in cases like this coming before the court, the offenders will be treated with the utmost severity of the law.. Subsequently Davies attended and reported; having registered and was convicted and discharged.