SOLDIERS' PUNISHED.

Otago Witness, Issue 3291, 11 April 1917, Page 37

SOLDIERS' PUNISHED.

SENTENCED TO EIGHTY-FOUR DAYS' HARD LABOUR.

The sentence of tho court-martial which tried four prisoners in Wellington on 'Monday last on charges of refusing to obey orders has been promulgated. Alexander Baxter, charged with "disobeying a lawful command given by his superior officer, in that he at Wellington on 21st March, 1917. while under detention, refused to work when ordered to do bo by the N.C.O. in ohargo of detention barracks," wa6 found guilty and sentenced to 84 days' imprisonment with hard labour. Archibald M'Coll Baxter, John Bnxtcr, and" William Little, charged with "disobeying a lawful command given by their superior officer, in that they at Wellington, on 21st March, 191?, whilst under detention, refused to ohanj?e into detention clothing when ordered to do so by the N.C.O. in charge of dotention barracks," wero also found guilty and sentenced to 84 days' imprisonment," with hard labour. The prisoners wero forthwith removed under military escort to prison. On completing their "term of punishment they will be sent back into camp as soldiers. The prisoners at the court-martial proceedings contended thai they were not soldiers, as they had not taken the oath, and were therefore not obliged to obey the orders given.