A Luke-warm Soldier

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 22, Issue 67, 29 August 1911, Page 7

A Luke-warm Soldier

“ TIRED OF PARADES ” Auckland, August 26 Joseph Henry Butler, a private in the No. 2 Native Rifles, was brought before Mr 0. 0. Kettle, S.M., to day on a judgment summons for the non-payment of £1 2s, being fines imposed for non-attendance at parades. In answers (0 questions by the Magistrate, defendant said he had once taken an interest in volunteering, but did not now. He did not appreciate having to wear his own boots at parades, which had to be attended every other night in order’to escape a fine. There was no encouragement for a young fellow in a volunteer corps nowadays. Mr Kettle: It’s all lack of discipline. You young fellows don’t seem to understand your duty to your country and your King. When I was your age I was in a volunteer corps, and I didn't need any encouragement. Eventually plaintiffs agreed to waive technicalities, and allow an appeal to be made to the officer commanding the district. The case was accordingly adjourned for three weeks