A TARDY TERRITORIAL.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 9, 5 July 1911, Page 5

A TARDY TERRITORIAL.

BEFORE THE MAGISTRATE. By Telegraph—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. An adjourned case in which a youth named Arthur Davis was charged under the Defence Act of 1909 with failing to register his mtme as a Territorial, came before Dr. McArthur, S.M., in the Magistrate's Court this morning. Davis pleaded guilty to the charge on Friday, and the Magistrate granted an adjournment until to-day in order to give him a further chance to register, When Davis' name was called tiere was no response, defendant not having put in an appearance. The Magistrate said it was quite evident that Davis was defying the Court, aid though lie would not impose the maximum penalty, he would fine him £3 with costs 7s. "I want it known," said Dr. McArthur, "that in cases like this coming before the Court, offenders will be treated with the utmost severity of the law." , Before the business of the Court had been concluded, Davis appeared and informed the Magistrate that he had filled up the registration form on Sunday and his father had posted it on Monday. A Territorial officer, however, said the paper had not yet been received by the Defence Department, and the Magistrate granted a further adjournment until 2.15 this afternoon. -Before vacating the bench Dr. McArthur advised Davis to obtain another form and fill it in at once and deliver it personally to the Department. This afternoon the Magistrate was informed that defendant's enrolment papers had come to hand by this morning's mail. Accordingly defendant was merely convicted and discharged.