U.S.A. BADGE

Hutt News, Volume 18, Issue 45, 30 May 1945, Page 5

U.S.A. BADGE

FOR MEMBERS ONI>Y MAGISTRATE'S DECISION The case against George Clay, charged with unlawfully wearing a Returned Serviceman's badge was heard before Mr. A. M. Goulding, S.M., in Wellington last Friday, when Clay, for whom Mr. E. F.. rage appeared, pleaded guilty. Appearing for the Association, Mr Hanna said that the R.S.A. was an exceptionally tolerant body and brought this case purely as a warning. No heavy penalty was asked for. The facts were, said Mr Hanna. that defendant had attended certain R.S.A. functions and on being questioned had admitted he was not a member. At a subsequent function he was again questioned and claimed to be a member of a provincial association. The records of that association however, showed that defendant had not been a member for a number of years. For the defendant Mr. Page stated that Clay had served for two years in the last war and on his return had joined the Wellington R.S.A. The "slump" however, had caused him to become in arrears with his subscriptions. Whilst it had to be admitted that a technical offence had been committed, it was not generally known* that it was an offence to continue wearing the badge when one had once been a member. He thought the R.S.A. should take greater care •to point out that non-payment of subscriptions rendered members liable to forfeit the badge. "The mere fact that a man is a Returned Soldier does not entitle him to wear this badge," said Mr. M. Goulding, in giving judgment. "There are probably hundreds of returned servicemen who are not members of the R.S.A. which is an incorporated body, the badge of which is protected by law and may be worn only by members of that body. It should be made clear that if for any reason, such as non payment of subscription, a person ceases to be a . member, then the badge should be ■ surrendered."

Defendant was fined 10/- and, costs 10/-.