AN OBDURATE SHIRKER.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 October 1917, Page 2

AN OBDURATE SHIRKER.

SUNT TO GAOL FOR THREE MONTHS. By Telegraph.—Pros* Association. 'Palmerston North, Oct. 20. At the Magistrate's Court this morning, before Mr. W. G. Kenrick, S.M., a man named Thomas Carr, alias John Kock, was charged with changing his name without the consent of the Minister of Internal Affairs, and assuming a name other than that he was usually known by. Sergeant Henry, who prosecuted, stated that accused was a Masterton reservist, and was drawn in the first ballot. He had changed his name and had been eluding the police for a long time. He was recently working near Hunterville, and when he saw a constable approach he ran away. He was chased, and put up a desperate resistance before he was captured. When caught accused said to the arresting constable: "I will not go to the front"; also that if lie was compelled to go he would either commit suicide or take the life of someone else. The magistrate: What are you frightened 01? Accused: I don't want to fight and I don't s ee why I should fight people who have done me no harm. The Magistrate: You are letting the other men fight for you. It is either selfishness or cowardice. If you are sensible you will go. Accused: I'll never go there. I'm. not afipid of the Germans. My mother and father could not live in the country where they were born through the British. The magistrate: You'll change your tune when you go into camp. Accused: I'll never change my tune. Sergeant Henry asked for a substantial penalty as the case was a serious one. Accused was convicted and sentenced to three months' imprisonment and to be thereafter handed over to the military authorities.