OBJECTION RAISED.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 263, 7 November 1939, Page 3

OBJECTION RAISED.

WITHDRAWAL OF CHARGE. CASE OF KOTO KOA INMATE. Objection to the a pplica tion made by Major 1\ <;. Norman. superintendent at Koto Hoa Island, for permit-sum t<: withdraw a oharge i»f insubordination against Arthur l"r<inciis Munton, iige<l •>7, wlio a.ppeared 011 remand after a preliminary hearing yesterday, was madi by Miiuton's ,-olicit or. Mr. K. Aok i lIS in the Police Court to-day liefore Mr .J. Moiling. S.M. Major Norman stated that llie island authorities did not wish tn liave Muntoii under their supervision, owing to the fact that he had escaped oil other occasions. Ihe basis tor the present charge, however, was contested by Mr. Aekins on tlie ground of lack of evidence. "I propose to withdraw the charge against Munton, as I understand the Minister of .Justice has already reached a decision as to whether Munton will be discharged or transferred to gaol t< serve out his term." said Major Normal; when the case was called to-day. All. Aekins: I want the case dismissed and not merely withdrawn. 1 understand the Minister's decision is that my client must go to gaol to serv< the balance of tin- time. It is most unfair that this man can be sent t< prison without a trial and without evidence Inking heard. He added that it was his intention tc make representations to the Minister and the words "dismissal"' and "with drawal'' might make a difference. The magMmic said that as no evidence would be heard he felt that lie must grant Major Norman's appliea tion for withdrawal.