On This Day, 20 April 1917

Birmingham Mail

Friday 20 April 1917

AUSTRALIAN’S REGISTRATION CARD.

INTERESTING CASE IN BIRMINGHAM.

Murray John Glover (21), an Australian, born in Adelaide, was before the magistrates in the Second Court of Birmingham Police to-day, charged on a summons with failing to produce his National Registration card when requested to do so by the police. Detective-inspector Whitehouse called upon defendant at 26, Charles Road, Small Heath, where he was residing, and asked to see his registration card. Defendant replied: “I know nothing about it. I am not registered.”‘

Mr. A. Hall-Wright, for defendant, said he arrived in England from Australia on July 9 last year, and immediately obtained work in a munition factory, having braved the perils of the sea to offer his services to the old country as a skilled engineer. He knew nothing whatever about registration, and remedied his omission by registering at the Council House on the day of the visit by the police. Mr. Hall-Wright suggested that no harm had been done. The magistrates accepted the statement that defendant offended in ignorance, and held that the case would met by his paying 5s. in costs.