FINED FOR FAILING TO REGISTER.

Press, Volume LXVII, Issue 14099, 19 July 1911, Page 2

FINED FOR FAILING TO REGISTER.

Edward Hannam, a youth, appeared before Mr H. W. Bishop, S.M., at the Magistrate's Court yesterday, in answer to a charge that he had failed to register his name as being available for service in tho Territorial foroes, as required by the provisions of the Defence Act, His Worship: Why didn't you register?

Defendant: Because I didn't believe in it.

His Worship: ■ Oh! You set yourself up against the forces of law and order. I am afraid that you will find it both expensive and painful. I am here to administer tho law, no matter what I think about it. You don't presume that I believe m the whole of the I6w. as I find it? What are you:-* How old are you?— Defendant: A carpenter. Nineteen.

His Worship: What is your father?— Defendant: A shoemaker.

His Worship: Has he encouraged you to make this stand?— Defendant (after a brief delay)': No; I did it independent of btra.

His Worship; Why not register, and I later draw the attention of the authorities, to those aspects of the scheme to wliich yon object. Tell mc, my boy, why you object ?—Defendant (vaguely;: I don't believe in—er —military His Worship: It is the duty of a man to obeythe law. No man can be a descent citizen who does not submit himself to tho ruling of the majority. You hear a lot about going to gaol for your principles. Recently i was advised te go to gaol for six months—l've no ambition in that way. Now. I don't think you. a sensible boy, snbuld go to faol. In a oaso I heard this morning told a man that he would soon find trouble if he looked for it. You don't want to be a martyr—there is no halo, ?nd nothing on which yonr name will be inscribed. You will soon be forgotten. Don't you think you had better register .'—Defendant: Not

His Worship: "My persuasive powers don't go for much." Having read the section, Mr Bishop turned to the lad ayain. "I see that you deprive yourself of other privileges as -well. You can't vote because you are not old enough, but you might like to vote presently. They miaht even stop you from getting marriedf Foolish boy! Do you prefer to pay a fine ? A sergeant of police: It doesn't end there.

His Worship: I see that, and I don't want to fino the lad. (Turning to +hboy): You will force mc into this position? I tell you that if you do you trill have to pay the fine or go to gaol. Thero can be no playing with this Court. What is your religion? Defendant: None. I don't belong to any. His Worship: Oh! I 6ee. Then I suppose that you are under no discipline at all, and your mind has not been properly trained. You are fined 20s, and understand that if you do not pay the fine you will go to gaol. As sure as you set yourself up against mc you will find yourself in trouble.