MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

Taranaki Daily News, 8 October 1925, Page 10

MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

jnEAV I’L\ r MOUTH SITTING. “AA T OLD YARN.” A youth who had evaded drill for four years was fined £2, with costs 7s, by Mr. J. W. Poynton, S.M., at a sitting of the Magistrate’s Court at New Plymouth yesterday. When Ray Laurent pleaded guilty to failing to register under the Defence Act his father told the magistrate that he thought when boys left school they should be given to understand they were liable for registration, and he suggested that schoolmasters should supply the Defence Department with the names of all boys leaving who were of an age to register. He said he knew a lot of boys were not aware that they had to register, and -when they found 'out they were afraid to go to the Defence Department, as he understood it was compulsory that they should get a “blister” when they did apply. The magistrate said that was an old yarn. These fellows got a holiday and had a good time while others were doing their duty, and it was not a fair thing. They probably chuckled over their good fortune.

In reply to s question from ' the Bench it was stated that Laurent was 18 years of age. Mr. Poynton: I see. He’s had four years’ holiday. Fined £2 (costs 7s). On a similar charge Arthur Lorkin, who had not registered for seven years, was lined £5 (costs 10s), and Leonard Smith was fined £2 (costs 7s) for falling to notify a change of address. OTHER CASES. For allowing slock to be at large in the county «»f Taranaki, Peter Hansen and F. J. Rothery were fined ].(>s and costs. Whakarua was fined £1 (costa 12s). For failing to pay moneys due under a maintenance ord*f, Vul Biggin was ■fined 10s.