NO WEDDING BELLS FOR HIM

Dominion, Volume 20, Issue 5, 1 October 1926, Page 3

NO WEDDING BELLS FOR HIM

MAORI WHO RAN AWAY FROM GAOL. A novel excuse for running away from gaol was given by a Maori labourer (aged 24), Jimmy Woereta,, alias Hansen, alias Bodgers, in the Magistrate s Court yesterday, when Mr. E. Page. S.M., asked accused, who pleaded guilty, if he had anything to ’ say respecting the offence. ~ . „ “Well. Sir, you see, .it’s like this, said the prisoner, leaning forward in the dock and addressing the Bench most confidentially. “My girl was waiting at Dannevirke for me to marry her and I wanted to let her know that I could not go on until I came out again.” Mr. Page; Yoji stayed away from gaol for two months. Did you report to the authorities at all during that time?

Accused: No, Sir. Chief-Detective Ward stated that accused had been sentenced to two years’ reformative detention at Wellington on July 9, for forging, uttering ana theft. “Oil July 23, when Woereta ran away from the Terrace prison,” he continued, “he stole a motor-cycle, the property of Gordon Herbert Beale, which he has been riding ever since about the eountrv. While at liberty he committed other offences, namely, forging, uttering and theft, but so far he has not been dealt with on, these charges. The authorities say that his conduct has had a very serious effect on the discipline of the prison.” Mr. Page: I regard gaol breaking as a very serious offence and will sentence yon to twelve months' imprisonment with hard labour. On the charge of stealing the motor-cycle you will be sentenced to three months’ imprisonment. Both these terms are to be cumulative and to bo served at the expiration of the detention you are now undergoing.