Shellshocked soldier’s lapse

In the Supreme Court a verdict of not guilty, on the ground of insanity, was returned in the case of Alfred Joseph Ryan, charged with a series of cheque forgeries, and obtaining money by false pretences. The crown prosecutor said that accused was a genuine victim of shell shock, and under the influence of drink lost selfcontrol. Other evidence given showed that accused was a quiet and industrious man out on licence from Tokanui, where he was ordered to be detained during the pleasure of the Minister of Justice. — ODT, 18.2.1921.

COPIES OF PICTURE AVAILABLE FROM ODT FRONT OFFICE, LOWER STUART ST, OR WWW.OTAGOIMAGES.CO.NZ The visit of the Hon J.G. Coates, Minister for Public Works, and staff to the Dunedin City Corporation’s hydroelectric works at Waipori on February 17, 1921. — Otago Witness, 1.3.1921.