AMENDS MADE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21172, 13 August 1943, Page 6

AMENDS MADE

ESCAPE FROM CUSTODY YOUTH JOINS ARMY FINE MIDDLE EAST RECORD Shortly alter the outbreak of war a young man. barely 18. escaped from the custody of the police while on the way to committal to a State institution. Officially, nothing more was heard of him until recently. Then it was only when a clear-eyed, suntanned young soldier walked up to a police officer and voluntarily gave himself up as being the “wanted man." A brief outline of the young soldier's career was given in the Supreme Court in Napier, when he appeared before Mr Justice Blair foi sentence on a charge of having escaped from lawful custody. "Soon after his escape." said defending counsel. Mr Ilallett. “this young man joined the army and eventually found his way with the New Zealand Division in the Middle East. While in Egypt, where he wa; for a time stationed at the best camp, he attended night classes anc. acquired a knowledge of languages So successful were his studies that he was employed as a field interpreter. for he could speak French. German and Arabic. “He served with the New Zealand forces with considerable credit lb rough all the North African campaigns. was captured twice and wounded twice.” said counsel. “Once when in enemy hands he was caller upon to act as interpreter to Romme’ ( when the German general addressed some New Zealand and Allied prisoners. Then came the time when he was to have extended furlough. He returned to New Zealand on furlough with the intention of giving himself up, and this he did." His Honour said there was ample justification for extension of the utmost leniency in the present instance. “You have come here will a very good record,” he said. "In many ways it is a remarkable-record You will be placed on deferred sentence, conditional upon your return ing to the army at the conclusion o' your furlough. This means you will be tree and able now to enjoy your furlough."