TO RETURN TO U.S.A.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 226, 23 September 1936, Page 3

TO RETURN TO U.S.A.

ASSISTANCE FOR CRIMINAL DEPORTATION NOT POSSIBLE. (By Telegraph.—rress Association.) WELLINGTON, this day. A long list of convictions has been built up by John Edward Owens, aged 41, a motor mechanic, since his arrival as a stowaway in 1928. He wishes to return to America, but under the New Zealand law he cannot be deported. If his behaviour is good, however, he will be assisted to return. lie was dealt with in the Supreme Court to-day by Mr. Justice Blair on charges of obtaining credit by fraud, and of obtaining money by false pretences. Ilis Honor said he proposed to impose what would be only a nominal penalty, a month on each charge, the sentences to be concurrent. He also would declare Owens to be an habitual criminal. "I have very strong nopes," he said, "that if you behave yourself and help the prison authorities you will find it not very long before you are able to return. The Prisoner: Yes, but I only get 10/ a month if I do work. His Honor: I know you don't get very much. The Prisoner: Tt would take me about five years to get my fare. His Honor: T am not saying they will expect you to find the whole lot. The Prisoner: Suppose the American consul can get me a boat in the meantime. His Honor: That is in the lap of the gods; .that is all 1 can do.