PRIVATE WEBB, M.P.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume V, Issue 1276, 15 March 1918, Page 9

PRIVATE WEBB, M.P.

'COURT-MARTIAL OPENS. AH OBJECTION RAISED, v, K -,iii£S TO PLEAD GUILTY. rrfx.f AxsucUiHr.n. WELLINGTON, March 15. morning at Trentham Camp r ' s.Aot Court-Martial was opened i - .no purpose of trying Private P. Webb on a charge of refusing to oy a lawful command given per-, . i by his superior officer. ! (. .1, appeared in court with a iky volume, and a bundle of is lie was not represented by i.r.sel. I Win .1 asked, “ Do you object to be ' ed hv (his Court-Martial?” be , ed, “Certainly not!” Ashed if he objected to the short■n.l writer, a man in uniform, he . . ! i " did not object lo the man ; e! sor.ally, but he had had some ex- \ eric: re with shorthand reporters, end strictly objected to any amateur shorthand writer attempting to take down his speeches. in reply lo Colonel McDonald, the .lodge Advocate, the shorthand writer said that he did not have a r; riilicate. Webb then formally objected, and the Com t conferred, and decided to overrule the objection, but, after Colonel McDonald had expressed the opinion that in fairness to the accused the objection, should be allowed, the Court decided to allow it, and adjourned till this afternoon, in order to obtain a certificated shorthand writer. As a certificated shorthand writer was not available when the Court resumed, it was decided lo proceed with the case. The charge was read over, and 'Webb pleaded guilty. The judge advocate pointed out that a plea of guilty meant that the Court would pass sentence, and advised Webb to plead not guilty. Webb said he was guilty of disobeying the order, but hoped to show a good reason for doing so. The Court accepted this as a pica of not guilty. The case is proceeding.