OFFICER’S PLEA

Grey River Argus, 17 December 1940, Page 4

OFFICER’S PLEA

SOLDIERS ABUSED REVENGE ON RUFFIANS. [Per Press Association] AUCKLAND, December 16. The actions of persons described as ruffians in hindering the war effort, discouraging others and abusing members of the forces who sometimes suffered physical violence at their hands, were referred to by a military officer, when a home defence soldier, Angus Maxwell Datson, aged 22, appeared in the police Court, charged with being a rogue and a vagabond in that he was armed with a piece of piping and had felonious intent. He did not plead. The officers said accused had an unblemished civilian and military record, and asked that he be handed over to the military authorities for punishment. Accused and several of his soldier friends had been abused and mishandled by a gang of ruffians who frequented a city amusement park. On Wednesday accused and another soldier had leave, and after having a few drinks went to the park about 9 p.m. to find their previous antagonists, with the result that there was an unfortunate occurrence.

“Accused is a high-spirited man,” the officer continued, “and after the drinks picked up the piping and set off for the park. He is a splendid soldier, having been stationed at a coastal defence fort since last December, awaiting an opportunity to go overseas. The authorities are particularly keen that his record should not be spoiled, as they feel it is not altogether his fault that he finds himself in these unfortunate circumstances. He would nevertheless, be severely dealt with.” Sub-Inspector Calwell said the charge was one of the most serious under the Police Offences Act. Unfortunately the whole thing could be proved against accused and should be dealt with by a civil Court. After evidence was heard the question of punishment rested with the magi's-, trate.

“I cannot very well hand accused over to the military 1 authorities until I have heard some evidence,” said the magistrate, Mr J. Morling. “In all probability that is the course 1 will then adopt.” The officer said he intended to call evidence for the defence, and accused was remanded in military custody until Tuesday.