THE ESCAPADES OF A STYLISH ENGLISHMAN.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1224, 5 September 1911, Page 9

THE ESCAPADES OF A STYLISH ENGLISHMAN.

AT AUCKLAND HOTELS. GAOL FORMS THE LAST CHAPTER. (By Teleftraph.-I'ress Association.) Auckland, September 1. A stylishly-dwssed young Ensfehman, who has been living at first-class hotels and boarding-houses in and about Auckland, and neglecting to pay for his board, has found himself in t'he Police Court with tho result that his hoard and lodging has been arranged for the next three months— this time in Mount Eden Gaol. Francis Peter Came, tho man in question, was charged with being an idle and disorderly person, without sufficient means of support. In outlining the case against Corno, Sub-Inspector Ilendry stated that tho man had set himself out to swindle boarding-house keepers and hotel proprietors. The, polico had first heard of him at Hamilton, where he. had left a board-ing-house without paying his bill. Then he came fo Auckland, and put up at tho Star Hotel, whore he lived well, and frequently entertained his friends to meals. Apparently, however, ho tired of the Star Hotel, and, without paying his bill, he removed to King's Court. Later he left King's Court for the Royal Hotel, whero ho assured the proprietor that, although he was short of money, he would pay his bill presently. Eventually tho proprietor requested him to leave tho hotel, and his room was locked, but Carno came to the hotel as usual that I night, and got into the room which he had occupied by climbing up a fire escape. During his stay at the Royal Hotel, continued tho sub-inspector, the accused (knowing that he did not have Gd. in his possession) went to Messrs. Stewart Dawson and Co., jewellers, and selected two rings, valued at .£ll. Ho gave instructions to have them sent to the Royal Hotel, adding that he would pay the amount if ho decided to retain the rings. The rings were accordingly taken to the Royal Hotel by a young assistant, and (still stating that he would pay for them next morning) accused persuaded tho messenger to leavo tho rings. He subsequently re-visited Messrs. Stewart Daw•Fon's, and attempted to obtain more jewellery on account, but the firm would not comply with his request. Carno then disappeared, and, having left (or, rather, being ordered to leave) the Royal Hotel, | tho firm did not receive the money for tho rings. Carne's next- move was to the Grand Hotel. He arrived there late one evening, and, not seeing anyone about, ho went upstairs, and took possession of one of the rooms. Aftor breakfast nest'morning, he hired the hotel motor-car, nnd, after a drive, returned to the hotel for lunch. Ho was then approached by tho proprietor, but resented a demand for money, remarking: "Do you expect a man to carry money about in his pockets to pay paltry debts like this?" After- lunch he asked the proprietor to send for the motor-car, as he wished to take some ladies for a drive. Instead of sending for the motor-car, however, the proprietor sont for the police, and tho man's career was then brought to a close. After his arrest tho accused made tho following statement to the police-.—"l arrived at Wellington by the T-ainui from England,' and came to Auckland about seven weeks ago. I have been staying at King's Court and the Royal Hotel here, and owe for board at both places. I havo no money, though I have somo luggaqo at Stratford. I went into the Grand Hotel about 11 p.m. one night. I saw no one about the hotel, and, after waiting for a few minutes, I proceeded upstairs, and went into a room there, and to bed. I had breakfast, and, after that, siw tho proprietor. He came to me, and asked me why I came and stayed in tho hotel in that manner without notifying any person. I had lunch, and, when the proprietor asked me for payment for the bed and two meals (125.), I did not pay him, as I have no money, and had no money when I went there. I only hnd what I stand up in." Tho remainder of his statement referred to iiis dealings with Stewart Dawson and Co. The facts of the case, as outlined by tho sub-inspector, were corroborated by several witnesses. Accused was sentenced to throe- months' imprisonment with hard labour.