TERRITORIAL DRILL.

Otago Witness, Issue 3263, 27 September 1916, Page 44

TERRITORIAL DRILL.

PALMERSTON N., September 15. _ < Can a member of the Territorials who is unlit for active or home service be compelled to attend Territorial drill? This question arose in the court to-day. when P. Hadtlen was charged with failing to attend drill. The defendant stated that all his brothers had enlisted, and ho himself had been rejected. The Magistrate inquired of the officers present if it was not absurd that men who were unfit for home sei-vico should be made to' attend drill. They might as well compel a cripple. In reply, the officers stated defendant had passed the medical test for the Territorial Forces. The fact that he was turned down for active service did not affect his Territorial obligation The defendant was convicted and discharged. John Max, a Sienior Cadet, whose height is sft lOin, was before the Magistrate (Mr Poynton) to-day charged with being absent from parades. The excuse given was that he objected to wearing "shorts." The Magistrate remarked on cases that had come before him -avhere 6ft youths had to drill in "shorts." He thought there should be some elasticity, and that boys above the average height should be permitted to wear civilian clothes. It was pointed out that defendant had not attended parades for six months. He was fined £l, and costs. The defendant said he would not pay, and was ordered to be kept in custody for 14 clays.