CHARGES OF INSUBORDINATION.

Taranaki Daily News, 3 April 1917, Page 2

CHARGES OF INSUBORDINATION.

UN.WILLING RECRUITS. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. A Court Martial heard charges of insubordination against Privates Alexander Baxter, Archibald McColj. Learmont Baxter, John Baxter, and William Little. The three last named are members of the 26th Beinforcements, and the first named of the 27th. The case against Alexander Baxter was taken separately. Tl>e other- three were charged with having on the 27th March, while under detention, refused td obey the command of their superior officer to change into, detention clothing. The accused pleaded not guilty. After evidence of the prosecution wag heard, A M. L. Baxter said he did not consider himself to be a soldier. Hewas arrested and taken to camp without notice. Ht was a shearer and liad been arested under Section 35 of the Mili-' tftry Service Act. He never took the oath or anything like that. He did not dispute the law, but he refused to do what he believed to be wrong. •Tohn Baxter and Little siii'd tlieir attitude was the same as that of the other accused. The verdict of the Couri was not disclosed. Alexander Baxter was then charged with having while under detention refused to work when ordered to do so. He pleaded not guilty. He claimed he was not a soldier and not sworn in. The verdict was not announced