MOCK COURT MARTIAL

Evening Star, Issue 19931, 30 July 1928, Page 14

MOCK COURT MARTIAL

BGTH AMUSING AND ' INSTRUCTIVE On Friday night a mock court martial was held by the members of the Otago Officers Club. A strong vein of humour was kept alive during the progress of the court, which was conducted strictly according to the rules of procedure. The accused soldier, which part was taken by Major J Smeaton, was charged that on April 20, at Matarac, he did unlawfully disobey the command of a superior officer, and that he did offer violence _to a superior officer in that ho dis disobey an order to proceed to the cookhouse to peel potatoes, and in doing so did threaten the orderly corporal with his clenched list. Captain J. B. Callan directed the proceedings and acted as president ol tho district court martial, the other members Major F. H. Lampcn and Colonel J. M‘Ara. Captain E. J. Anderson was prosecuted, and Lieutenantcolonel H. E, Barrowdough was accused’s counsel Numerous members of the club acted as witnesses, and the proceedings were made amusing by their attempts to observe their oaths and at tho same time act in a comradely fashion to their fellow-soldier who was going through the perils ol a court martial. Amusement was caused at the commencement of the court by the accused objecting to one of the officers of the court, who, he alleged, had prejudicially affected his social relations when on leave. Impromptu humour was verv well introduced by the various members who gave evidence, and the evening was highly instructive to all who attended. ' . At tho conclusion of the court . a hcartv vote of thanks was passed to Captain Callan and all those mho had taken part in the proceedings.