POSED AS LIEUTENANT

Evening Star, Issue 24138, 7 March 1942, Page 6

POSED AS LIEUTENANT

CIVILIAN YOUTH’S VANITY FIRMS FINED FOR SUPPLYING EQUIPMENT (P.A.) AUCKLAND, March G. David Gaimvell Robinson pleaded guilty before Mr J. H. Liixford, S.M., to-day, to two charges of wearing the military uniform of a second-lieutenant without lawful authority. Sub-inspector McNamara said that Robinson, who was aged nearly 18 years, went to John Court. Ltd., on December 10 and made inquiries about a drill uniform. He was fitted with a funic and cap. and next day he took delivery. He obtained two “ stars ” from another store, and a Sam Browne bolt from a third. Attired in a secondlieutenant's uniform, he masqueraded as an officer of the forces. Air Allan Moody, for the defendant, said that many of Robinson's friends were in the army, and he thought it was time he did something. Foolishly, however, bo got into a uniform he was not entitled to wear. He had enlisted in the Air Force, and would shortly be called up. Tho accused was remanded in custody until Tuesday for sentence. Arising out of the case, three city firms were charged Surplus Stores Ltd., with supplying to a person without authority a Sam Browne belt, Horace Bull Ltd., with supplying two badges of rank, and John Court Ltd., with supplying a tunic and a cap. The charges were laid under the Uniform and Badges Emergency Regulations. Surplus Stores Ltd., and John Court Ltd. were each fined £l, and Horace Bull Ltd. £4. Mr Lnxford said ho hoped the cases woulii act as a warning to the trade. Shopkeepers must exercise control, and prevent the sale of any part of a military uniform to an unauthorised person. If there were any further cases a heavier penalty would be imposed.