A NEW ZEALANDER’S MASQUERADE

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XXI, Issue 5356, 14 February 1916, Page 7

A NEW ZEALANDER’S MASQUERADE

AND GETS INTO TROUBLE.

“I think shrapnel turned niy head a little,” pleaded Victor Robert Land (36), quartermaster-sergeant in tile Nbw (Zealand Artillery, wihef i charged the, other day at Westminster under the Defence of the Realm Act with wearing an officer’s uniform and three decorations without authority, and with intent to deceive.—Captain Wedderburn, Assistant Provost Marshal, London district, said prisoner in a lieutenant’ uniform, and wearing various military decorations, had been seen in Leicester Square and Victoria street, Westerminster. Ho told witness he had been promoted for distinguished conduct <>n the field—Captain Thomas Brown, attached to the Australian and New Zealand forces, said prisoner was arrested near the Army and Navy stores. There had been many letters sent to the War Office show ing that he had represented hintself as a lieutenant. He had stayed at hotels as such, and loft without paying his hills. There was also a letter from a lady who thought he held a commission.—Mr Horace Smith, who had the correspondence before him, remarked that it was a very affectionate letter. Perhaps without mentioning the name of the writer prisoner eould give sum# explanation. Prisoner: I really could not tell you who B have been talking to.—. Magistrate; Oh, yes, you could. It is not a letter to be forgotten.— Prisoner: Ati any rate I am married. I should like to get back to the front. —.Magistrate: But T have got to inquire what you have been doing when you are not at. the front.—Prisonersaid he pleaded guilty under extenuating circumstances. He joined the Expeditionary Force ami had served in Gallipoli, .rapidly, gaining promotion until lie was quartermaster-ser-geant. He was shot in the shoulder, and still had the bullet in him. As an invalid ho was taken to Malta Hospital as nn officer and was brought to England as such. He understood he was going to receive a commission. He claimed the right to one of the derivations he wore—the ribbon of the South African modal.—. Captain Brown said the report from the War Office was that defendant, was not entitled to any of the decorations.— 7 Mr Horace Smith fined prisoner £IOO, or throe months’ imprisonment.—Defendant: Will you allow nio six works to get the money?.— Magistrate: No.