PASSAGE HOME.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 194, 18 August 1933, Page 8

PASSAGE HOME.

YOUNG AUCKLANDER.

STOWED AWAY IN LONDON.

DESTITUTE AFTER ILLNESS

(By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.)

WELLINGTON, this day

Stating that he had become destitute in London, and made every endeavour to work his way back to New Zealand, Clive Neville Watts, aged 23, of Auckland, pleaded guilty before Mr. E. Page, S.M., on a charge of stowing away on the Mataroa at London.

The police eaid accused secreted himself aboard, and three days after sailing gave himself up to the captain. The officers spoke well of him and said he had done good work. Accused said that prior to stowing away he shipped to the west, coast of Africa. When he returned to London he contracted malaria, and all his wages went in hospital expenses. He was destitute when he came out of hospital, and went to the High Commissioner for assistance. The High Commissioner could do nothing for him. He then went to shipping companies, but was referred from one to another, and could get no satisfaction. As he was destitute ]i» decided to stow a*way rather than be dejorted as a criminal. Accused was convicted and ordered to come up within 12 months if called.