MILITARY SERVICE.

Otago Witness, Issue 3327, 19 December 1917, Page 44

MILITARY SERVICE.

ALLEGED INCITEMENT TO EVASION. HAMILTON, December U. In the Supreme Court to-day Francis Walker, a farmer, was charged with inciting his son Gilbert to evade military service. His son was gazetted a deserter. The police went to tho farm and saw the son disappearing in the bush with a lifle in his hand. The accused said: "My ley is not, going from here. He is only 19 years of age. You big hulks will never deal with him. Deal with me first. He will never fight for Jimmy Allen and the dirty, rotten Government." The police called- several times, and at last arrested the son during the father's absence. Tho latter, on. his return, said that if he lied been there the police would never have taken his son. The police found half a dozen guns in the house. Allan Graham, auctioneer, stated thnt hevisited the farm and saw the son disappearing in the bush. The accused said: "My son was drawn in tho ballot. The police came here to get him, but he is not going offl the place. He can fight his own battles. He has got a rifle, and he'll shoot the first man who dares to follow him." The accused was very excited. Counsel for the accused contended that there was no evidence of direct incitement, but only of strong language . against tins Government. The utterances were not made by the father in the son's presence. The jury acquitted the accused.