FALSE REPLY TO QUESTION

Press, Volume LXXXV, Issue 25713, 27 January 1949, Page 6

FALSE REPLY TO QUESTION

ARMY ATTESTATION PAPER STAFF SERGEANT FOUND GUILTY (P.A.) AUCKLAND, January 26. Charged with making wilfully a false answer to a question in an attestation, paper put to him by or by the direction of the officer before whom he appeared to be attested, a staff-sergeant of the Regular Forces pleaded not guilty before a court-martial in the Rutland Street Drill Hall to-day. Mr S. D. Rice appeared for the prisoner. Evidence that the accused had written •'No” to a question asking if he had ever been sentenced to imprisonment was admitted. It was also admitted that he had been three times sentenced to imprisonment. the last time being in 1933. The attestation w r as for the purpose of enlistment in the Regular Forces. Mr Rice submitted that the charge had to be taken in its entirety, and that no evidence had been given that the question was put to the accused at the direction of the attesting officer. There was no evidence that the officer had warned him, as required by the Army Act. of the consequence of making a false statement. The prisoner was found guilty. He was reduced to the rank of sergeant, and was fined £5. The verdict and sentence are subject to the confirmation of the officer commanding the Northern Military District and the judge advocate.

After submissions by Mr Rice, the president of the Court (Major R. H. Dyson) said the Court had not the power to order the suppression of the accused’s name. However, because of the accused’s successful attempt to rehabilitate himself and his excellent character in the Army, the president asked that his name be not publisheo. ,