POLICEMAN OBSTRUCTED

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXXVII, Issue LXXVII, 22 May 1919, Page 5

POLICEMAN OBSTRUCTED

MAGISTRATE'S PLAIN SPEAKING

(BY TELEGRi«H —PRESS ASSOCIATION.) CHRISTCHURCH, May 21. In the Magistrate's Court to-day, before Mr S. E. McCarthy, S.M., two men pleaded guilty to obstructing a constable in the execution of his duty Sub-Inspector Mullany stated that on the evening of April 5 Constable Hurley was arresting a man at Sydenham, ■when the two accused caught hold of him, and so hampered his movements that the prisoner escaped and was not subsequently caught. Accused, in excuse for their conduct, stated to the Court that the constable was arresting a returned soldier. ! "It is time," said the Magistrate, 'that a certain section of the public should get rid of the idea that returned soldiers are to be allowed to do exactly as they like on their return. We fully appreciate what they have done for us while they have been away, but in New Zealand there would be pandemonium if the-very few returned men who do misbehave themselves were allowed to do so without restraint. If they commit offences they must receive the same treatment as ordinary civilians."

A fine of £5 was imposed in each case, with the alternative of two months' imprisonment.