POLICE COURT.

Wairarapa Standard, Volume IV, Issue 196, 2 April 1870, Page 3

POLICE COURT.

Gkettowx, Maech 30. (Before H. S. Warded, Esq., R.M.)

Cleknd v. Deard.—Absence from Militia parade. Defendant pleaded that he was going to join the Volunteers, and thought it was unnecessary for bin to go to the Militia parade, having spoken to Captain Jackson, and been told by him that it was “ all right.” It appeared he had taken no steps to join the Volunteers. Fined 55., and costs 6s. 6d.

Cleland v. C. Brown. —Absence from Militia parade on the 10th March; defendant pleaded that lie had a medical certificate which relieved him from attendance. It appeared he had not handed this certificate into the Adjutant. The certificate was put in testifying to his suffering from physical debility, and was signed by Dr. Smith. The Adjutant said the certificates signed by Dr. Smith had hitherto been taken, but the only practioaer in the district allowed to issue the certificates, was Dr. Spratt as Surgeon to the

Militia. C'arge withdrawn costs 6s. 6d

Cleland v. J. Merson.—Absence from Militia parade. Defendant pleaded he had not been sworn in. The Adjutant referred to clause 4 of the “ Militia Act,” and farther

said the notice as directed by the Act viz:' publication in a newspaper circulating within the district, and by placard had been complied with. Fined 55., and costs ss. Cleland v. S. Moles.—Absence from parade on 10th March. Defendant pleaded he was ignorant that the advertisement was sufficient, and thought he ought to have had a special notice. —Fined 55., and costs 6s. 6d. Cleland V. W. Bovey. —Summons not served.

Cleland v. D. McPhee.—Absence from parade on 10th March. Defendant pleaded that he had been absent five or six months previous out of the district, and that he was unaware coming only a week before the time that he was liable to serve. Charge withdrawn.

Cleland v. T. Smith.—Summons not served. Cleland v. W. Deadman. —Absence from Militia Drill, Defendant pleaded that he intended to drill at Tepurnpuru instead of at Carterton, and that he obtained leave of Ensign Carrington. Charge withdrawn.

Cleland v. Dakin.—Absence from Militia Drill. Defendant pleaded he was unaware there would be drill that week, being in Wellington. Fined £1 and costs.

Cleland v. T. Glue.—Absence from Militia Drill. Defendant pleaded be was killing sheep. Fined £1 and costs 6s. fid. Cleland v. Field.—Summons not served. Cleland v. Hooper.—Summons not served. The Resident Magistrate alluded to the absence of the Constable, and the fact, that none of the summons that had been issued, had been sworn to.

Boys v. A. Bennett.—Charge made by Captain B. Boys against Bennett for haring made use of intemperate language on parade. B. Boys, sworn, said: lam Captain Commanding the Carterton Militia. I complain that A. Bennett a private in the Militia, when on parade, on the Ist March, made a speech in the ranks, and refused to obey my orders to he silent. He then advanced to the front of the Company and said, “ I shan’t silence.’* I called the attention of the Adjutant to the fact.

Mr. Bennett pointed out that it was not at Carterton, but on the Taratahi—of course this quibble was not allowed to stand—He said he had been seven years in the Militia, and had never been absent.

The Resident Magistrate said this was not a charge fcr absence, but for insubordination which was a far more serious change. The highest character was given by Captain Boys to Mr. Bennett. The Resident Magistrate said it was a very important matter that discipline should be maintained, and he therefore inflicted a fine of £5 and costs.

Captain Boys urged that the previous good character of the prisoner should be taken as a plea for the mitigation of this penalty. The Resident Magistrate reduced the fine to 40s. with 11s. costs, and on Bennett saying he had no money and no goods, he was sentenced to 14 days imprisonment.