R.M. COURT.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XIII, Issue 4261, 4 November 1892, Page 3

R.M. COURT.

MASTERTON-FBIDAV:. (Before Colonel Roberts, R.M.) A VOLUNTEER IS TROUBLE, Pownall v, J. Budd.—This was a case in which Jus. Budd was charged with not returning arms and accoutrements, the property of the Mosterton Kiflo Volunteers, his name having been struok off the roll of the corps, some eleven months ago, The defendant pleaded guilty, Mr Pownall said bo did not know what the accused meant by detaining the goods. The penalty was a heavy one for Buch an offence, being imprisonment without tho option of a fine, The practice was becoming far too common, of taking the arms and uniform and not returning them. It was praotically robbing their comrades. Several previous cases had occurred, and it had become necessary to make an example, although at the same time he did not wish the punishmeat to be vindictive, The accused stated that the uniform was in Masterlon with the exception of the helmet, which he had offered to pay'for. His Worship said that two months imprisonment was the penalty,; security were given he might, however, defer tho sentence, to give the acoused an opportunity, of returning his arms and accoutrements, The accused was allowed to bring the articles into Court. Mr Pownall said that as the articles were returned ho would withdraw the charge, His Worship said the Court would giant the accused one weak to pay 7« costs, and 10s for the hel met. If not paid imprisonment would then follow.