Failed to Report

Manawatu Times, Volume 68, Issue 160, 8 July 1943, Page 4

Failed to Report

“This is a very determined shirker,” said Senior-Sergeant Mclntyre, when William Dennis Adin, aged 22, farmer, of Bainesse, was charged before Mr. H. P. Lawrv, S.M., to-day with failing to report for duty with the Armed Forces when called t upon to do so under the National Service Emergency Regulations. Accused pleaded not guilty. Captain K. G.. Chamberlain gave evidence that accused was called in the sixth ballot. After being medically examined, he refused to tako the oath or serve in any capacity. He appealed against service on conscientious grounds and also on the grounds of public interest, and both appeals wero dismissed. In February, 1942, accused was sent a notice ordering him to proceed to camp, but this was returned unclaimed, as also was a further one sent in the following month. A notioe was inserted in the Gazette ordering accused to report, but he did not do so and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

Senior-Sergeant Mclntyre stated that the police attempted to servo notices on accused, but were unable to do so. A warrant for his arrest was issued aud Coif stable Forsyth arrested him at Whirokino on July C. In reply to a question by the Magistrate, accused had nothing to say. “I don’t know why you pleaded not guilty,” said the Magistrate, “the evidence seems to be quite clear. You knew you were called up and that your appeals were dismissed. There is no doubt you have been avoiding your obligations and you will have to go to gaol for three months with hard labour. After that you will be given anothor chance to serve your country, and if you still refuse you will bo placed in a defaulters’ camp for the remainder of the war. I am giving you a chance to think it over.”