NO OPTION.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 47, 25 February 1937, Page 8

NO OPTION.

INEBRIATE'S HUMOUR.

BOUND FOR ROTO ROA.

BREAKING NEWS TO MOTHER.

If thie was an announcement in the pereonal column—which it wa*. not—it might read like this, "William Arthur Cocker is leaving to-day to spend. 12 months at the Roto Boa Inebriates' Home." Cocker, an Englishman, aged 71, hae seen better days. Dfepite the fact that fate has not em i led upon him eo kindly during the many years he has been in thie country, William Arthur Cocker, who has many previous convictions for drunkenness and trivial offences arising out of his fondneee for liquor, has been a gentleman, and has been able to eee the humour of things even when arrested for drunkenness. This well-known Auckland identity, an accountant by profession, commands more than ordinary attention when he makee his periodical appearances in the dock at the Police Court, because of his gentlemanly bearing, his smile and his perfect enunciation. On Tuesday he was arrested for drunkenness in Victoria Street, and when he appeared before Mr. C. R. Orr Walker, S.M., in the Police Court yesterday and pleaded guilty to hin fourth offence for inebriety within the last six months, he was remanded until to-day so that inquiries might be made to ascertain if he would be a fit subject for Roto Roa. "I think you had better go to Roto Roa, Cocker," the magistrate told him this morning. "Have you anything to say t" , ■ ... ;.,...... -' Cocker: Well, ar, I suppose I have no option in the Inatter. . "I'm afraid", not, , * tie magistrate said. "Your Honor, will you grant me an escort to go- with me to my boarding-house-to get toy clothing—rand break the news to mother, you know!" (Laughter.) "Yen, I will arrange for that to be done," said Mr. Orr Walker. "You will be sent to Roto Roa- for two years. That, I think, will be in your own intereete." jCoeker (smiling): Oh, sir, have pity on me. Two years is too long. Make it a year. "AH right," said the magistrate. "I will make it twfclve months." ■ Cocket -(as he was leaving the dock): Thank you, sir. Good-bye.