UNUSUAL CASE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVIII, Issue 228, 25 August 1938, Page 10

UNUSUAL CASE.

HEARING AT WELLINGTON. Per Perse Association. WELLINGTON' Aug. 25. A man whose name was ordered to be suppressed pleaded guilty* before Mr J. L. Stout, S.M., to committing mischief by damaging a pane of glass, and ink pot, and the walls of an office in Parliament Buildings. Sub-Inspector McLean said defendant had been m a very bad state of health for some yearspast and was unable to follow his ordinary vocation. He had been on sustenance and in connection with this had received a letter earlier in the week from tlie office of the Minister of Labour requesting him to call at the Buckle Street office. He called and found the matter had not yet been referred to that office. He then went directly to the Minister’s clerk and was told the matter would he put right by telephone. He returned at once to Buckle Street and found no one in that office who knew anything of the matter. Defendant then went back to Parliament Buidlings with a view to seeking an interview with the Minister. The Minister was not present in liis office, and as a result of something he was told defendant became enraged, picked up. an inkpot, and threw it through a window. Mr McLean said he had had a talk with defendant yesterday in connection with the state of his health and had decided to let him out on bail of £5. Defendant was remorseful for what lie had done, and the police had ascertained this was his first appearance before the Court during his residence in New Zealand. Defendant told his story as outlined, concluding that when he had returned to seek an interview with the Minister the Minister was not there, but the‘clerk .had refused him admittance. The Magistrate: You didn’t give them very much time. I see. the Jet - ter from the Minister’s office is dated Monday. It takes some 1 time for business of this nature to be done; even the Post Office takes a little time todeliver a letter. Defendant was convicted and discharged.