DISCHARGED WITHOUT A STAIN.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1236, 19 September 1911, Page 4

DISCHARGED WITHOUT A STAIN.

HE CENT HUTT AFFAIR. Arising out of tho disturbances at Lower Hutt in August last in connection with the medical examinations of Territorials, Harold Clarcnco Do llidder was charged at Petone yesterday with throwing a missile and damaging tho Drill Hall, the property of Fleming Ross. Tho principal witness for the prosecution, Martin Leslie Millett, area-sergeant in charge of tho district, failed to jmt in an appearance, and, acting on instructions from tho inspector, the case was withdrawn! by tho police. Mr. T. M. Yvilford, who appeared for tho defendant, asked permission to make a statement in reference to tho case. He said that he had no intention of opposing tho withdrawal—that would bo inconsistent—but he would much rather have had the case fought out. That the caso was merely withdrawn would not clear De Ridder's character in the eyes of somo people. The principal witness in the caso was Sergeant-Major Millett. If ho had come into the box he would have been cross-examined regarding his credibility, and particularly regarding the reported stabbing affairs. There was absolutely clear proof that De llidder was in the Public Library at tho timo ho was charged with committing the otfonce. His client was not in sympathy with tho disturbances, and ho had been enrolled and was examined a week prior to August 3. Tho prosecution of his client was a stretch of imagination. Dr. M'Arthur: Or a case of wrong identity. The caso is withdrawn, and to givo tho satisfaction you desire I will say that thero is no reilection whatever on the. young man's character.