NON-DEFENDERS AT WAIHI.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 12790, 15 June 1912, Page 5

NON-DEFENDERS AT WAIHI.

".■._-_- •» (Per Press Association.) ■-.A- 'WAIHI, last, night. At 1 the Court to-day \. Heiiry K6g6rs was charged that he did counsel Carl Rogers" (his son) to refuse to register under, thd. Deferice Act. This case Avas a sequel to charges for breaohes of the Defence Act against ' Carl Rogers and others heard on the previous court day, m which defendant admitted having influenced his 'son m not registering. Today he pleaded "riot guilty." Evidence was 'given by Sergt/ Wohlmaiin to ...the effect that dbring the hearing of the previous, .cases, defendant took the responsibility 'dt 'hjs ./.sons'., refusal,, and said tliat Tie 'Tvt'ould. rather' see fthem gO to' gaol than Comply with the law. Defendant .denied this. Evidence, was- alsb giveh by Capt; Mortqn ip the. effebt that the impression , he gathered froih defendant Avas that he would/rather .see his _ sons gb to gaol than allow them tp l-egister. Defendant also questioned, this and said that the boys had made Up tlieir owri riiirids-Ain the niatWr, and Avould prefer, to go ; to gaol.. He alleged that it was a case pf.persecutiori. -There Avas.po, need for liim to counsel liis. boys nob to register for the bone of his, family Avas anti-miiitary^ and. tho . boys had every ,. oppbrbunity ,of reading 'litei'ature againsb -war. > Defendant said t]i«y Avere not fichting for their, own property, as they .had none, but were fighting for other people's property. He' submitted that he -was, not guilty of counselling. The boys were determined themselves. On liis oath he would say that' 6 had not directly coiinselled his sons, not to register,, ■. <; fl .. „ , The- Magistrate said defendant's evidence .last,. Court: day gaA*e the impression .that; Wa had advised them m the matter. Under the circumstances there was not sufficient .. evidence to. justify him m entering a conviption. '114 Avarned defendant that -to advise . a person not to register. Avas an offence against the law. The case would be dismissed.