GERMAN CHARGED

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20431, 16 December 1940, Page 11

GERMAN CHARGED

FAILURE TO REGISTER OFFENCE NOT DELIBERATE £ls FINE IMPOSED A German labourer, Paul Richard Schreiei< aged 63, appeared in the Auckland Police Court and pleaded guilty to a charge of failing :o apply for registration as an enemy Mien as required by the enemy aliens •mergency regulations. ' Sub-Inspector Calwell said accused was born in Germany and came to New Zealand in 1909, when he deserted from a British ship at Wellington. He was employed in various parts of the country and was known as Charles Richard Reynolds Peterson. It was not until he was arrested for drunkenness last week that his position came under review and he was held in custody. Mr. Calwell said accused did not register as an enemy alien during the last war. He applied for naturalisation and the matter was under consideration at the outbreak of the present war. He said he had nevei Served with any military force in Germany or elsewhere, and it appeared that he had been a hard-working man, engaged on public works and Mher labouring work throughout the country during the past 30 years, having described himself as both Norwegian and Danish. “He had a series of convictions, including thefts, but mostly for drunkenness, between 1915 and 1935, since when he was not before the court until arrested last week.” Mr. Calwell idded. “He is actually in receipt oi social security benefits, and has enough money in his possession to pay a substantial fine.” Accused said he made no secret ol his affairs in signing social security papers and making application for naturalisation. “On your own admission you Knew you had to register; but did not do •jo,” said the magistrate, Mr. J. Molding. “It may have been carelessness, and I do not think you did it deliberately, so I will not send you to gaol.” Accused was fined £ls.