DEFENCE PROSECUTIONS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15549, 5 March 1914, Page 5

DEFENCE PROSECUTIONS.

RELIGIOUS OBJECTIONS.

A number of prosecutions under the Defence Act wero dealt with at the Police Court yesterday, some being taken before Mr. E. C. Outten, S.M., and eome before Mr. F. V. Eraser, S.M. The offence of having prevented his son from attending parades required of him, was admitted by Edward J. Drumm, who stated that he objected to military training an religious grounds. It was stated that the defendant had previously been advised to get his son to apply for exemption, but he had failed to do so. The defendant said that the fact of applying for exemption might be taken »=> an admission on his part that the defence scheme was just. After discussing the matter with the defendant Mr. Frazcr remarked : " If you are sensible you will get your son to apply for exemption on religious grounds. There if nothing to hurt your conscience in that." The defendant refused to adopt the course suggested. A fine of £2 and costs was imposed, the fine to be remitted if the defendant's san applied for exemption within 14 days. The defendant said he would go to gaol. OTHER CASES. For failing to render personal service under the Defence Act, the following fines were imposed with costs :—John Watt, £1; George Skellon, £1: ffra, Rchneidoman, £1; William King, 10s; William Bracewell, £1; George Reed, £2; Cllve J. McNamara, £1 Kenneth Laing, £1 ; Jack 0. Beaver, £1; George H. Abbott, £1; Nicholas Hutchinson, £2; arid Thomas Williams, £1. Melbourne Thompson, Alexander Murray, and Alexander Murphy were convicted and discharged. A fine of £5 was imposed upon B. Hanna, who failed to appear. It was stated that he had received a bullet wound in the Kick, and had not attended parade since. He had been previously convicted for failing to attend parade.