REFUSED TO SERVE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 99, 12 September 1912, Page 7

REFUSED TO SERVE.

A SCENE. IN COURT.

Wanganui, September 8.

A scene occurred at the Magistrate's Qourt,.- Pajea, yesterday, when two brothers named Sellar, recently out from the- Old Country, were charged be/ore Mr. W. G. Kenrick, S.M., with liaving failed to comply with the terms of the Defence Act.

Frederick Sellar, the elder, a smartlooking lad of' twenty years, was the first' charged. He adopted an aggressive attitude from the start, and declared that he was not going to be a soldier. He did not come out to this country for that purpose. ;,IJis-Worship: You are not going to bo made a soldier; you are merely going to-b'e drilled.

Defendant: That is the same thing.

At this stage defendants' father broke in with, •'! didn't come out here to have my sons made soldiers. I will not have them taken away from their work," and had to be silenced. Defendant remarked that he would leave the country, to which his Worship said that it would be a good thing if defendant carried out his expressed intention. New Zealand did not want men of his stamp. As defendant had apparently made up his mind to defy the law of the land it was no use him explaining that he should do something for his country while he was in New Zealand. He would be fined ,€5 and 7s costs, in default three weeks' imprisonment in Wanganui gaol. Defendant said he would not pay the fine.

Henry Sellar, aged eighteen, adopteu the same attitude as his brother. Being at the cadet age 'he was let off with a fine 'of 40s and costs 7s, in default seven days in Wanganui gaol. Defendant (determinedly): I shall serve the seven days.

His.Wprship: Do not think you will be a hero, You will rather be held in contempt by your fellows.