DEFAULTING TERRITORIALS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 141, 1 November 1912, Page 2

DEFAULTING TERRITORIALS.

BEFORE THE MAGISTRATE. Charges of failing - to render personal service were preferred against six Territorials in the Magistrate's Court yesterday. Captain J. W. Boon prosecuted in each instance.

Walter Gunson pleaded guilty. Asked I why he did not attend, Gunson said that p he had put in three years as a volunteer, and when the compulsory training came into vogue he had knocked drill off. In remarking that the defendant had apparently placed his own interpretation on the Defence Act, Mr. Crooke, S.M., inflicted a fine of 5s and costs 7s.

Geoffrey L. Whitcombe, who had attended a large number of parades, but absented himself from a few, was merely convicted and discharged. Wm. C. Bridger, who, Captain Boon said, had been repeatedly warned, admitted his offence. He had nothing to say for himself, and was fined as and costs 7s, as was also Win, C. Bowie, who had likewise been given several chances. No appearance was made by Ernest Elliot, junr. Captain Boon gave evidence to tlie effect that the accused, who had been engaged in working all night, had failed to attend a number of parades.

His Worship asked whether Elliot had been kept at night of 'his own free will. Captain Boon explained that the youth's employers had not understood the liability under the Act. In future, however, Elliott would >be able to get off for drill. No fine was inflicted. Wm. Bransgrove, whose record was stated to be very »ad, was similarly dealt with. According to Captain Boon, the defendant was likely to be exempted on medical grounds.