POSED AS OFFICER

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24859, 7 March 1942, Page 4

POSED AS OFFICER

YOUTH IN ARMY UNIFORM SUPPLIERS ALSO CHARGED (P.AO ■'• . : '. : '. AUCKLAND, Max'. 6:. > • David Camwell Robinson pleaded guilty before Mr Jj H. Luxford, S.M;, to-day to' two charges of wearing the military uniform of a second-lieutenant without; lawful authority.;. , Subiirispectbr McNamara said that Robinson, who was aged nearly 18 years,' went to -Jehn : Cour,t, Ltd., on December 10. and made inquiries about a drill uniform. He was fitted with a tunic and cap, and next day he took delivery. He obtained two " stars" from another store, and a Sam Browne belt from a third. Attired in a secondlieutenant's uniform, he masqueraded as van officer of the forces. . Mr Allan Moody, for the defendant, said that many of Robinson's friends were in the army, and he thought it was time he did something. Foolishly, however, he got into a uniform he was not entitled to wear. He had*>enlisted in: the' Air Force, and would shortly be called up. •. The accused was remanded in custody until Tuesday for sentence. Arising out of the case, three city firms were charged, Surplus Stores, Ltd., with supplying to a person without authority a Sam Browne belt, Horace Bull, Ltd., with supplying two badges of rank, and John Court, Ltd., with supplying a tunic and a cap. The charges were laid under the Uniform and Badges Emergency Regulations. Surplus. Stores. Ltd., and John Court, Ltd.. were each fined £l, and Horace Bull, Ltd., £4. Mr Luxford said he hoped the cases

would act as a warning to the trade. Shopkeepers- must exercise control, and prevent the sale of any part of 1 a military uniform to an unauthorised person. If there were any further cases a heavier penalty would be imposed.. '