MAGISTRATES' COURT.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 21, 12 June 1914, Page 4

MAGISTRATES' COURT.

Mr. A. C'rooke, S.M., presided ovor a sitting of tlie Magistrate's Court, New Plymouth, yesterday.

ALLEGED ASSAULT.

There were a large number of witnesses arrayed in Court for the hearing of the case Benoni White v. John Hale, in which charges of assault, challcngo to light, ami threatening behaviour, were made.

Mr. Juhit-ltone, however, stated that he \v;is instructed by .Mr. Hutohen, who lhad been called to Auckland, to apply on behalf of the plaintiff for sm adjournment. After discussion with Mr. Nicholson, who appeared for the defendant, ifclic case was adjourned until Wednesday next.

DEFENCE CASES. There were a number of cases of prosecution for (breaches iof the (Defence Act, and applications for exemption from service. Several informations were withdrawn on account of subsequent regular attendance, or medical certificates.

Leslie S. Dutbon (Mr. Weston) applied for exemption on the grounds' that as he was occupied in tile evenings superintending a moving picture theatre, in addition to his day work, and could not attend drills or camp. Oapt. Dovey, ion behalf of the Department, stressed the importance of defendant's attending camp. His Worship granted exemption from all night narades, but left the question of camp to become the subject of a further application at a date closer to the next camp. The Department proceeded against Dutton for failure to atten" parade previous to his application for exemption, ibut after hearing defendant Mr. Crooke merely convicted him without fine.

Victor James McKiven, a commercial traveller, employed since March .by Hatriek and Co., Ltd., at Waitara, applied for exemption, on the grounds that !he had had five years' Service with the Timaru High School Cadets, had served with the volunteers in Dunediii, and had served two complete years in the Territorials. He had been prosecuted for not attending the last camp, His Worktook him all over the province during camp time. Harold Brookman, manager of Hatrick's Waitara branch, corroborated applicant's evidence. If the man had to attend parades] the firm would probably have to look for someone to take life place.

Capt. Dover, on !behalf of the Department, said he would not oppose defendant's exemption from parades, but must insist on his attendance at camp. He was not eligible for discharge until he was 25 years wf a#e, or until he had completed fou r years' efficient service. .Mr. Johnstone said he would leave the matter at that, but pointed out that McKiven's absence at camp would cause great interruption to the firm's business. The. Magistrate granted exemption to the applicant from all service except in camp.

Julian Cornelius Brooke did not anpour to an-nver a charge of failing to attend parane. Mr. A. Bewley pleaded guiltv on hiu behalf, statin*/- that his dr-fx-t'on wa<i due to Jiis absence from the district.

He was convicted and ordered to pay costs, 7s.