AN ADJOURNMENT

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 54, Issue 32536, 14 February 1945, Page 5

AN ADJOURNMENT

MANPOWER DIRECTION

DISOBEDIENCE ALLEGED

COMMENT BY MAGISTRATE

When.Mr E; B. Clendon applied on behalf of Clifford Douglas Torr, farmer, of Thames, for an adjournment of a case in the Thames Magistrate’s Court, in which Todd was charged with failing to obey a direction of the manpower officer to the Westfield freezing works, there was some discussion about whether the adjournment should be allowed.

Mr Clendon said he had a medical certificate for Torr and it was intended to appeal on this ground. As the summons had (been served only on ' Monday he asked for consideration to be given because of the circumstances of the case. “The regulations in this country are not drastic enough,” said the magistrte, Mr W. H. Freeman. “People in New Zealand' do not realise we are at war.. If I grant an adjournment the court will not sit again for a month. In the meanwhile, the freezing works wants labour. Some people do not like the work there. They make all sorts of excuses for dodging and do not realise the nation requires their services.” He expressed l the opinion that even an unfit man would be .able to perform some useful form of work there.' ■ ■ ’ ■ Mr Clendon said Torr had been rejected for any form of military service. The magistrate then asked for evidence about the. circumstances regarding the direction of Torr, to enable him to decide if an adjournment were warranted. Notice of Direction C. G. Warren, assistant District Manpower Officer, said a notice directing Torr had been posted on January 4, to report on January 8. On Januard I'6 a card was received from Westfield saying Torr had not reported. Torr,’ when interviewed, said he had other business to attend to and had not been able to get away. He intended to appeal, and witness gave him some appeal forms, telling him how to act and saying, as the appeal was late in being lodged, he must report for work until a decision was made about whether the appeal would be heard or not. He told Torr he must set down his objection in writing. Witness had not received the appeal forms' Iback from Torr and he had not reported at Westfield.' Constable W. Cook gave evidence ’ that he had interviewed Torr at the police station on January 20. He said he had not reported because he had urgent business to attend to, such as collecting debts and making tax returns, and because of his health. The magistrate Said he would adjourn the case till February 15, at 2.15, when he would be passing through the district. This should give the defence sufficient time to prepare its case.