NEW ZEALAND NEWS.

Taihape Daily Times, 16 March 1918, Page 5

NEW ZEALAND NEWS.

THE WEBB COUBT-MARTIAL.

REFUSING TO OBEY.

WELLINGTON,' March 15.

This morning in Trentham camp, a district court-martial was opened for the purpose of trying Private P. C< Webb on a charge of having refused to obey a lawful command given personally by a superior officer. Webb appeared in court with a bulky volume and bundle of papers, not being represented by counsel. Asked, “Do you object to be tried by this court-martial,” he answered, “Certainly not.”

Asked if he objected to the shorthand writer, a man yi uniform, he said he did not object to the man personally; he had some experience of shorthand reporters, and strictly objected to any amateur shorthand writ* er attempting to take down his speeches.

In reply to Colonel MacDonald, Judge Advocate, the shorthand writer said he had no certificate.

Webb then formally objected, whereupon the Court conferred and decided to overrule Webb’s objection, but, after Colonel MacDonald had expressed the opinion that, in fairness to accused, the objection should be allowed, the Court decided to allow it, and adjiurned till this afternoon in order to obtain a sertificated shorthand writer.

As a certificated shorthand waiter was not available when the Court resumed. it wms decided to proceed with the case. The charge was read over to Webb, who pleaded guilty. The Judge Advocate pointed out that a plea of guilty meant that the Court would pass sentence, and advised Webb to plead not guilty. Webb said he was guilty of disobeying an order, but hoped to show good reason for doing so. The Court accepted this as a ple a of not guilty. Col. MacDonald said the prosecution had established its case by showing that the order given was a lawful one, that it had been properly given, and that the accused had refused to obey it. Accused had admitted his defiance of the law plainly, and the case could be left to the decision of the Court. The Court;-whs cleared while the decision was considered, and sentence will be promulgated later.

I | A BERLIN RAFFLESi

Berlin papers contain a remarkable story of a young criminal, who, -Avith the united genius of Baffles and the Handcuff King, has simply done Avhat ihe liked*'in West Berlin, for a year past. ;So numerous were the crimes now traced to him that the police first they had to deal with an expert 'band of criminals. This young perverted genius entered bolted houses, secured his booty, and cleared off without leaving any trace of. h'is coming or going save in the absence o£ values. When he entered a block of flats it was usual for him to pay attention to sicvcral flats. In cafes, or restaurants, too, in the fashionable garb of a wealthy, land proprietor, as he gave himself out to be,, he had a nasty knack of possessing himself of his follow guests, pocket-books, watches, jewellery, etc., unknown to his victims till too latc.Hc lived as a complete gentleman criminal. Ho had two big houses beautifully furnished with the fruit of his midnight, labours, and with a “wife” in each entertained his casual cafe acquaintances with no little display and liberality. Hot long ago the police managed to lay him by the heels, but by some clever trick he locked the officials who w£ro engaged in examining him in their room and coolly walked out of the building. Late one Sunday night, however, he was caught again. The list of his crimes arc said to make an extraordinary document, and the examination of liis two residences has resulted in a preliminary estimate that he has stolen articles to the value of £50,000.

In one of his houses were found over £IOOO in notes, and £3OOO worth of war loan certificates, while the jewellery discovered roaches a value of £IO,OOO. Stolen picures make a valuable and wonderful collection and ho had evidcntly a nice taste in rare carpets. He had, too. a tremendous *toro of food in both houses Previously he has been twice in goal for minor disdemennurs.