DEFAULTING TERRITORIALS

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 177, 13 December 1912, Page 7

DEFAULTING TERRITORIALS

Three Territorials, all of whom have been previously similarly charged, were arraigned at the Magistrate's Court ycstenlivy for failing to render personal serI vice, Cecil Johnson was first charged, pleading guilty. According to Sergt.-Major Bond, on the occasion of his first ofl'ence he had been fined 10s. As a matter of fact, he had not attended one parade undsr the present scheme. Johnson explained in extenuation that he was a master grocer in the town, and in consequence lie had to work extra late hours. A fine of £1 and costs 7s was imposed. John Henry William Gillbanks, in pleading not guilty, stated that it was I his employer's fault that he had not attended the parade on November 20. He" had been sent out to deliver an order, and it was too late to attend drill when lie got back. . His employer, he remarked, knew that he had. to' attend drill. His Worship adjourned the case in order to enable the defendant to get his employer to substantiate what he had i said. William Prcstney likewise pleaded not guilty. The Area Sergeant staled that Prcstney, who. had been convicted before on August 22, had ignored all notices to attend, not having attended a single parade. Asked what he had to say, the defendant said that since August he had been working in. the country for the greater part of his time. This year he had been away eight months altogether, although he supposed he, could have attended a few parades. It was "very inconvenient." however. In fining the defendant £2 and costs 7s, the Magistrate (Mr. A. Crooke, S.M.) said that it was apparent that Prestney did not intend to attend any parades.