New Zealand

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVII, Issue 10, 12 May 1915, Page 7

New Zealand

THE TROOPS IN SAMOA. Pkh Flips* Association. Wellington, May 11. Colonel Logan advises from Samoa that the health of the troops is good. The following are in hospital: Captain J. G. Roadie, enteric fever ; Sergeant R. Oliphant, lacerated finger; Corporal W. J. Heasley, dengue fever; Privates G. Morrises', colitis; R. T. Nelson, melitis; G. T. Robertson, tonsilitis; T. G. Risk, dengue fever. All are doing well. RECRUITING IN AUCKLAND. Auckland, May 11. Sevent.v-seven volunteers, the biggest lot in any one day since the war expeditionary force was despatched, presented themselves for examination at the Drill Hall to-day. Of this number 55 were passed by the doctor. A PRISONER AND THE WAR. Wellington, May 11. A case similar in certain respects to the one which was dealt with by Mr Justice Deniston at Christchurch a day or two ago was before the Chief Justice (Sir Robert Stout) in the Supreme Court at Wellington to-day. It was that of Leo Stephen Curtis, formerly town clerk at Ohakune, who had pleaded guilty to six charges of theft while in the employ of the Ohakune Borough Council. The accused had between November, 1913. and August, 1914, appopriated sums amounting in all to £27(5 4s sd. Sir John Findlay, K.C., with Air 1). R. Hoggard, appeared for the prisoner. His Honor said that nothing was known against Curtis apart from his present offence.

Sir John Findlay stated that the accused was about 26 years of age. He had been employed as a clerk in two borough council offices in the vicinity of Wellington, and in 1913 he was appointed town clerk at Obakune, a position which be held until he joined the first expeditionary force for Egypt. He did not appear to have gambled or drunk. After lie was called upon to return to New Zealand the Imperial authorities told him that if the Court were to give him his liberty under any conditions, and should the New Zealand authorities not allow him to rejoin the colors, the Imperial authorities would allow him to do so. His trouble was not duo to any moral misconduct, hut to his being unfortunate in a speculation, under the pressure of which he was forced to this unhappy offence.

His Honor instructed counsel to communicate with the military authorities and ascertain whether they would allow accused to proceed to the war. If they would agree to this his Lfouor would he prepared to give Curtis probation. The accused was then remanded until Monday.