QUESTION AND ANSWER

Dominion, Volume 20, Issue 296, 13 September 1927, Page 7

QUESTION AND ANSWER

MAGISTRATE REPLIES WITH A 'SENTENCE. When a police constable flashed his torch in one of the Railway Department’s sheds at'2.ls a.m. yesterday he espied two sleeping forms lying with an empty bottle of methylated spirits beside them. The officer arrested the mhn and they appeared in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday, charged with being found bv night without lawful excuse, but in circumstances not disclosing the intent of any other crime in the premises mentioned. The men, John Holmes, alias Ryan, alias Stretcher Holmes, aged 52, and Frederick ’liiylor, alias Thompson, alias Wilson, aged 4(5, were asked' what they had to say by Mr. T. 'E'. -Maunsell, S.M. “Well, sir,” said Taylor, “I only entile out of gaol about a week ago, and I haven't .been able to get work.”

The Magistrate (smilingly): Perhaps you Imd'bettef- go back again. You may uot. have been in long enough.” Taylor: Oh. I was in long enough, sir. I di'il'three months. Sub-Inspector Tlarvey: lie arinks r'ethylated 'spirits. The Magistrate: Good gracious! Well, - good. Holmes: Give me a chance, Your Honour . T will leave for the country today, and get a job. As a matter of fact. I have one to go to now. Mr. Maunsell: You both have long lists, but vou, TTohnes, have not been in so much trouble as Taylor of late. Taylor will be sent to gaol for a month. Holmes (quickly): And what about me. sir?

-Mr. Maunsell: Oh, well —fourteen days. (Laughter.)