FAILED TO REPORT FOR SERVICE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 80, 4 August 1945, Page 5

FAILED TO REPORT FOR SERVICE

A SEAMAN CONVICTED A seaman pleaded not guilty in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday to a charge of failing to report for service with the armed forces. Defendant, Vincent Hugh Hollis, was represented by Mr K. E. Knapp.

Senior-Sergeant H. E. Knight said that the man was originally called up in March, 1941, and was found to be Grade 1. He had put in an appeal as a seaman but that was dismissed. The appeal was reinstated by the Anchor Shipping Company, his employers, but when he changed his employment that was withdrawn. He was called up and failed to put in an appearance. He had rejoined the Anchor Company wha had now renewed the appeal. He haa failed to obey instructions in regard his army call-up. Counsel for the defendant said tha# on the date of the alleged offence defendant was at sea. As soon as he landed the company communicated with the army and the Appeal Board. The senior-sergeant said that the regulations covered the question of date and a continuing offence. 'Mr Knapp informed the Court that the appeal had been allowed. Evidence was given by Lieut C. C. March as to the calling up of die defendant on 14th June by a “Gazette” notice. Defendant had not reported to the army office since. Mr Knapp said that defendant had not xeceived the notice of call-up referred to in the charge, and defer.dant gave evidence that on arriving in NeU son after hearing of the call-up he had been told that the company was appealing for him. The Magistrate, Mr T. E. Maunsell, said he was satisfied that an offence had been committed but he thought it desirable that defendant should remain in his present occupation. Defendant was convicted and ordered to come up for sentence if called upon within 12 months, conditionally on his remaining in his present employment