NEW ZEALAND NEWS.

Taihape Daily Times, 24 May 1918, Page 5

NEW ZEALAND NEWS.

LODGES AND SOLDIERS. WELLINGTON, May 23. At the Magistrate’s Court, John' Simmonds, grocer and returnea soldier, claimed from Alfred Shelton, secretary of the Ivanhoe Lodge of Druids, an amount representing sick pay at the rate of £1 per week from February 27th until the date of his dis» charge from military service. The question at issue was whether a soldier could claim from a friendly society sick benefits while still in military service. * Counsel for the plointiff contended that payment of sick pay did not depend upon whether a member was a wage or salary earner. In order to succeed the defence must show that plaintiff was able to fulfil the active duties of a soldier. For the defence it w r as stoted that the attitude the Ivanhoe Lodge had taken up was that of other lodges and orders, and they wished the point settled. In a similar case regarding another soldier, the committee resolved that no such payment be made until after the discharge of the member from military service. Counsel contended that the term “occupation” used in a member’s declaration and in a doctor’s certificate means “by which livelihood is earned.” The Magistrate, Mr. Bartholomew, reserved his decision. A MOTUIKI INCIDENT. A GERMAN WHO ASSAUTED ANOTHER. UCKLAND, May 23. At the Supreme Court, Fritz Schumalkuche, formerly a planter at Samoa was charged with assaulting Franz Yolkmer, a fellow-prisoner at Motuihi and causing him. bodily harm. The prisoner admitted striking Volkmex’, but raised the question of the Court’s jurisdiction, claiming that he was a prisoner of war. Judge Stringer said he was prepared to refer the point to the Appeal Court, but would try the prisoner in the meantime. Finally a plea of not guilty was entered. Evidence was given that the accused hit Yolkmer, after calling him opprobious names. Accused said Volkmer had created much ill-feeling ow-

ing to his revolutionary views. A verdict of guilty was returned. Prisoner complained about detention in v Mt. Eden Gaol for six weeks, owing to being unable to arrange bail. He had to associate with criminals, and had suffered owing to his nationality. In view of the prisoner’s detention at the gaol, no sentence was imposed, and accused made no further reference to the Court’s jurisdiction. Vladimir Karcvich, a Dalmatian, on two charges of breaking and theft, and one of escape from custody, was sentenced to two years on each charge, the sentences being concurrent.