DEFENCE DEPARTMENT.

Waikato Times, Volume 102, Issue 17219, 30 September 1927, Page 7

DEFENCE DEPARTMENT.

COMMENT FROM BENCH. IN PUTARURU COURT. The methods of the Defence Department in regard to the registration of trainees were illustrated in a very unfavourable light in the Putaruru Court, when 11. Gee and others were charged with failing to render personal service at Ngaruawahia between April 2 and 9. Mr YV. G. Hewitt appeared for defendant Gee and Staff-Sergeant-Major Meehan represented the department. Defendant staled that he had received no notification from the department in regard to. the earnp. lie had worked for Mr Seton at Tirau, and for Mr Fitzgerald-at Putaruru. Later he went to the afforestation camp near Atiamuri. He had written twice to Pacroa and no notice had been taken. Later he wrote to Morrinsvillc and received a reply. In reply to the Bench, Staff Sergt.-* Major Meehan detailed the method of warning trainees, and stated a notice had been sent marked “11. Gee, Putaruru.” This notice had not been returned to the department, therefore it was apparently received. Mr Kenriok: Do you check all you receive back? , SS M. Meehan: Yes, we received two or three back from Putaruru, and they arc all marked off in the ledger. Most Unsatisfactory Method. Mr Kcnrick: It seems a most unsatisfactory method. It seems to me the department should spend a bit more money and advertise. S.S.M. Meehan: Some do not read the papers. Mr Hewitt: Admittedly, but then they would know where to look for it. As it is, a card is sent out and there is no proof that it is received. It may not have been sent, or may go astray, and an innocent man of good character gets a conviction recorded against him. Norman farmer, for whom Gee worked, stated that he collected all mall matter and nothing had come for Gee. He had seen the SergtMajor in the station yard and asked him in regard to the camp. The Staff Sergt.-Major at first failed to recall the meeting, but later remembered and detailed the circumstances. Mr Kenrick: You’ll have to report to the military authorities. The system is weak. Either the men themselves or their employers should sign for the notices. “Thing is Ridiculous.” Mr Hewitt: The thing is ridiculous. The military cut out all the addICSS6S but Putaruru after they were told he was working for Mr Fitzherbert. the authorities, the post-olficc, or anyone may be to blame. How do we know the notice was ever posted? Mr Kenrick: That’s not a nice thing to say about the military. Mr Hewitt: I have said so; they were given the full address, including the box number, yet the Staff Sergt.Major admits all he lias received from Pacroa is 11. Gee, Putaruru. Mr Kenrick: It seems the only way is to get them to sign for the notices. It is a most remarkable thing the notices were never returned. I’ll cancel this, but enquiries must be made by those liable fop service in regard to camps. I cannot carry this decision through as a rule or it would simply mean that men could come here and say they never received a notice.