NEW WAY WITH OBJECTORS.

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 160, 10 August 1916, Page 4

NEW WAY WITH OBJECTORS.

When charged at Stratford with being an absentee under the Military Service Act, Harry Wesley Steele, described as a University student, of Upton House, Ilford said that he was "Not guilty,” and would like to quote a few words from the Army Act, 18S1. This Act, he added, entitled him to be tried by a court of summary jurisdiction or at quarter sessions. "This is a court of summary jurisdiction,” answered the chairman, ‘ ‘ and we are going to try y-ou.’ ’ “I would like to know what I am a deserter from ’ ’ asked Steele. He was told he was not charged with desertion, but with absenting himself from his duty as a man "No one has yet proved my age,” objected Steele. "Get into the witness-box, said tinchairman. "I will have you sworn. You must give evidence Steele was sworn, and when shown his National Registration Form by the clerk was asked, "Is that your writing?” he had to admit it was. "Did you fill in your age as twentyone? ’ ’ "Yes, but may I point out that the Prime Minister gave a distinct promise that the Registration Forms would not be used for a purpose such as this, ’ ’ "Mr Asquith cannot alter your age,” observed the chairman. "You will be fined 40/- and handed over to th e escort."