a's Passive Resisters.

Maoriland Worker, Volume 3, Issue 82, 4 October 1912, Page 5

a's Passive Resisters.

HEAVY FINES INFLICTED.

YOTJTHS PREFER JAIL

There was a mildly exciting scene at the Magistrate's Court yesterday, when two brothers, recently from the Old Country, were brought before Mr. Kenrick on the charge of having failed to comply with the terms of the Defoaee Act. The first charged was Frederick Sella f, the elder broker, a emartlockiug youth of about 20 years. On being asked to plead, he answered he was riot going to plead. His Worship pointed out that it was necessary for him to plead one way or the other. He thon elected to plead "guilty." Sergt.-Major Mahoney gave formal evidence for the prosecution His Worship: Why have you not registered as> required under the Defence Act? Defendant Caggressivelv): I am not going to be a soldier. I didn't come oue to this country to be a soldier. His Worship: You are not going to be made a soldier. You are. merely going te be drilled. Defendant: That is the same thing. At this stage defendant's father broke in with: '''I didn't come out here to have my sous made soldiers—l will not have them taken away from their work!" and had to be silenced. Defendant, who adopted somewhat of an impertinent attitude, said ho would leave the country. Itis Worship, who showed the utmost patience with the defendant, said he might hrve to serve under more stringent conaitions when he went back to England. Defendant thought not. His Worship: You will please understand that I was in England before you were born, and I think I know what I am talking about. Continuing, I'is Worship said that it would be a good thing if defendant did lea\-e the conntry. New Zealand did not want men of hie stamp. As defendant had apparently made up his mind to defy the law of the land, it was no use him explaining that he should do something fofr his country while he was in New Zealand. He. would be fined £5 and 7s. court costs ; in dsfault, tlirec> weeks' imprisonment in Wanganui Jail. Defendant: I shall not pay the fine. His Worship: Then you will be brought here aaiin. Henry Sell.'M. 'ho gave hi;* age as 18, was next f h'>reed. H« adopted the same attitude as his brother. His Worship said he would make a difference in this case, as defendant was at the cadet age. Hβ would be fined 40b. and costs 75.; in default, seven days' imprisonment in Wanganui Jail. Defendant stoutly): I shall serve the seven <?iys. His Worship: Do not think you will be a hero. You wifi rather be held in contempt by your fellows. —- "Patea Press," September 6. MR. 6ELLAR WRITES. Dear Sir, —I herewith enclose a cutting from the "Patea Press , of September 6. 1912, which .1 hope you will give full publicity,,as a warning to the new arrivals who are streaming into this jingoistic, tsrift-ridden country. My son" have had a life experience with sort this Government and the capitalist class are alWaye crying out for from the Old Country, but who take care to hide this heinous conscription scheme until wr are in the trap. Note the judge's remarks that it will be a good thing if we do leave the country. How reverjo to the advice from the same class of people at home, when they tell us of the freedom and prospects obtainable in New Zealand. And now my sons, who have never had a stain upon their character, are jailed, for that heinous crime of bsinp; British and true patriots to England -"jailett because their conscience will not allow thorn to Become inurderere for the jingoistic gang who are endeavoring to drain the life-blood from the British people under the cloak of "patriotism."—Yours, etc., Patea, Sept. 22. J. SELLAR.