Diss express Friday
18 may 1917
Nathanial Smith, van dweller, of Baton, was charged on remand with being an absentee under the Military Service Act.—Police-sergeant Christie produced a copy of the police Gazette showing that defendant was an absentee under the Military Service Act, at Wickham Market since July.—Horace Thomas Hills, recruiting officer’s representative of Ipswich, said that a notice paper was sent to defendant at Wickham Market on June 7th last calling him to the colours on July 6th.The letter had not been returned through the Dead Hatter Office. The record showed that he was born in 1878—Defendant said he thought he was about 40 years of age. He denied having had any papers from the military. Police-constable Frederick Herbert Woods, of Hopton (Thatford), said he had known the accused for four years as one who went about in a caravan. In reply to the Chairman, defendant said he was not sure about his age. And did not know where he was born, but could find that out, and also his correct age from his mother.—The Chairman said the Bench would make an order for defendant to be handed over to the military authorities. If he could prove to them to be over the age it was for them to deal with the matter.—Smith further charged with making a false representation as to his age and name to Police-sergeant Christie.—Mr. H. Derlow, Deputy Town Clerk, said when seen by police sergt. Christie on the 10th inst. defendant represented himself to be Albert Smith, his brother, and as evidence of that produced Albert Smith's birth certificate, showing that he was born at Wisbeach in 1869. Defendant, who pleaded guilty, was fined 10/- or seven days’ imprisonment
