"NOT AN IDIOT."

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 194, 17 August 1932, Page 3

"NOT AN IDIOT."

PRISONER IN CHRISTCHURCH. CONDUCTS OWN DEFENCE. MEANING OF A "DEAD BEAT." (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) CHRIST/CHURCH, this day. A young man who was charged with the theft of a quantity of footwear was the centre of a good deal of interest at a sitting of the Supreme Court, owing to the manner ill which he conducted his own defence. Although he claimed to be ignorant of Court procedure he was alert to any point affecting hie interests. He told the Court he bought the shoes from an unknown man in the streets. The Crown Prosecutor asked: Were the shoes emptied out of a bag on to the footpath for your inspection? Accused: Of course not. lam not an idiot. The Chief Justice (Sir Michael Myers) : Xo one would accuse you of being that. A moment later accused drew attention to a solicitor who was seated by the Crown Prosecutor. "1 thought that t heard Mr. — giving you a hint," he said to the Crown Prosecutor. "He has nothing , to do with this eaeo," answered the Crown Prosecutor, smilingly. "I do not take hints from Mr. —." "You could take them from a much worse man," was accused's comment on this remark. Accused caused amusement when he appeared not to know what his Honor meant by a "dead beat." Eventually he explained to his Honor that he understood the type of man referred to to be a "hobo."' Accused, despite his denial, was found guilty. The passing of .sentence, was postponed.