CONSTABLE FINED

Greymouth Evening Star, 25 May 1942, Page 7

CONSTABLE FINED

DESIRE TO JOIN FORCES.

AUCKLAND, May 23. Constable James Stewart Riddell was, charged to-day with resigning from the Police Force without authority. The case was heard by Mr J. H. Luxford, S.M. Sub-Inspector McNamara said that Constable Riddell handed in his resignation to take effect on May 3. He was informed by the Commissioner of Police that it could not be accepted, but, nevertheless, he refused duty on the following day. Mr Sullivan, who appeared for Constable Riddell, said in mitigation of the plea ■of guilty that the defendant had joined the Police Force only a few days before the war broke out, and was posted to Auckland. He was single. 29 years of age, and was unsettled by remaining at home while, others fought. In view of his fitness, he could, perhaps, be better employed as a fighting man, especially since his duties lately had been answering the telephone. Counsel pointed out that Constable Riddell had resigned before Air F. H. Levien, S.M., had given his warning to members of the force on the question.

“The Pobce Force must know they are definitely allotted to their duty for national safety," the magistrate said. “They are not unique in that respect, and there are many others who would love a chance of going into the Army. They must do the duty to which they are allotted.” A fine of £lO was imposed.