WANTED HIS FREEDOM.
AN INDEPENDENT OLD MINER.
(BV TELEGBAPH PBESS ASSOCIATION.) NELSON, April 29. A case called on at the Magistrate’s Court to-day was not without its pathetic side. An old miner, over 80 years of age, was brought before Mr. A. Gould, J.P., charged with vagrancy.
It transpired that this hardy old pioneer had seen much better days, having “struck it rich” at some of the gold rushes. Lately, he had been prospecting at Howard, from w lie re ho walked to French Pass. Being practically destitute he was taken in'custody and brought to Nelson. He felt Es position keenly. Asked how he got on for food, he replied that he had' lived for weeks one nikaus and birds. He had a strong objection to going to prison, stating that he was quite capable of earning his own living. He also preferred not to go to the Alexandra Home for the aged, as he wanted his freedom. The old miner is entitled to the oldage pension and a Maori W ar pension, but has claimed neither, stating that he would rather be independent. The justice put the old man at his ease by assuring him that he did not intend l to commit a man with such an independent spirit to prison, but suggested that he should become a voluntary inmate of the Alexandra Home during the winter months.
After some persuasion’ this was agreed to, and on this condition the charge was dismissed.
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Bibliographic details
Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 1 May 1926, Page 5
Word Count
245WANTED HIS FREEDOM. Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 1 May 1926, Page 5
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