EMPLOYING AN UNLICENSED RESERVIST.

Otago Witness, Issue 3338, 6 March 1918, Page 7

EMPLOYING AN UNLICENSED RESERVIST.

WELLINGTON, February 27. In the Supreme Court to-day, the appeal of Robert Hannah and Co., boot manufacturers, of Wellington, against a conviction for employing a reservist who was not enrolled under the Military Service Act was allowed. It was admitted at tho hearing that Scaife, tho man concerned, was unregistered, but defendants contended that they had complied with the Act by taking all reasonable precautions to see that no unonrolicd man was employed. iScaife told Hannah and Co. that no was a returned soldier, and displayed a certificate of discharge from tho forces on account of medical unfitness. The magistrate found that the defendants honestly believed that Scaifo was eligible for employment, but held that thoy did not havo reasonable grounds for that belief._ He suggested that the Government Statistician should hav9 been communicated with. His Honor, in his judgment, said that, in his opinion, the appellants had taken all reasonable steps. tho appeal would be upheld. As the original action was brought by tho police he would not allow costs.