NO POWER TO DEPORT

Evening Post, Issue 73, 23 September 1936, Page 18

NO POWER TO DEPORT

HABITUAL CRIMINAL

AMERICAN STOWAWAY

A long list of convictions has been built up by John Edward Owens, a motor mechanic, aged 41, since he arrived in New Zealand as a stowaway in 1928. He wishes to return to his home in America, but under New Zea-, land law cannot be deported;' if his j behaviour is good, however he will be assisted to return. In the Supreme : Court today he was sentenced by Mr. Justice Blair to one month's imprisonment on each of two charges, of obtaining credit by fraud in Palmerston North and obtaining money by false pretences. The amount involved was £4 7s. His Honour declared him a habitual criminal. His Honour said the prisoner would remember that the jury made a recommendation and added a rider that Owens was an undesirable citizen and better ouf o,' the country, a view, his Honour thought, that coincided with the prisoner's view. Owens arrived in New Zealand as a stowaway in 1928, and since then I had spent practically the whole of the time in gaol. Including minor offences he had had thirty-five convictions before the present offences. The repatriation or deportation Owens desired was difficult. Unlike America, there was no machinery in New Zealand whereby he could be deported. Financial arrangements had to be made, and the person concerned had to be willing to go. The Prisons Department was prepared to assist as far as possible, but the prisoner had to do something himself. Prisoners were paid while they were serving sentences, and if Owens behaved himself any money he earned would go towards the payment of his fare. "I propose to impose what would be only a nominal penalty for these offences," said his Honour. "You will be sentenced to one month's imprisonment on each charge, the sentences to be concurrent; and I will also declare you a habitual criminal. I have very strong hopes that if you behave yourself and help the prison authorities you will find it not very long before you are able to return." Owens: Yes, but I only get 10s a month if I do work. His Honour: I know you don't get very much. Owens: It will take me about five years to get my fare. His Honour: I am not saying they will expect you to find the whole lot. Owens: Suppose the American Consul can get me a boat in the meantime? His Honour: That's in the lap of the gods. That is all I can do.