“ACTED IN GOOD FAITH”

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 87, Issue 50, 2 March 1943, Page 3

“ACTED IN GOOD FAITH”

MAN WHO FAILED TO ENROL “This is not a case for anything more than a nominal penalty,” said Mr. J. H. Salmon, S.M., in the Magistrate’s Court, Wanganui, yesterday, when imposing a fine of £l, costs 10s, on Samuel Ernest Ross, slaughterman, aged 33, who pleaded not guilty to a charge of failing to enrol in the General Reserve. After hearing defendant’s evidence, the magistrate said that after the proclamation was issued there was an onus on every person eligible to enrol in the General Reserve within 28 days. The onus was also on the individual concerned to see that this enrolment was acknowledged. Defendant told the Court that he filled in his form while working in the King Country, but did not receive an acknowledgment. He was a married man with two children and when his name was not included in a ballot last year he made inquiries at the ArmyArea Office in Wanganui. This office communicated with the National Service Department in Wellington and received a reply to the effect that he had not registered. Defendant added that he subsequently registered again and produced his enrolment card. He also said that on two occasions he had volunteered for Army service. He had since been medically examined and would enter the Army when he received notice. Defendant had been married for 12 years and at the time of failing to enrol was not liable for immediate military -service, said the magistrate. He seemed to have acted in good faith and appeared to be telling the truth. Senior-Sergeant F. Culloty, who prosecuted, said it was a fact that defendant had tried to enlist.