UNDESIRABLE COMPANIONS

Northern Advocate, 19 April 1933, Page 2

UNDESIRABLE COMPANIONS

“DEPUTED THIEVES.”

LABOURER CONVICTED. .

(Special to "Northern Advocate.”)

AUCKLAND, Tuesday

“Even if you are working two days per week on relief you should keep away from such bad company, as I have heard evidence that shows you have been consorting with undesirables,” said Air Wyvern Wilson, S.AL, to John Thomas Scott (39), labourer, in the Police Court this

morning

Scott was charged with being an idle and disorderly person who habitually consorted with reputed thieves.

Scott, for whom Mr Iv, C. Aekins appeared, denied the charge. Detectives Moore and Brady, both of whom said they had known Scott for some years, added that Scott had consorted habitually with convicted and reputed thieves and other undesirables. They quoted from their notebooks, and gave numerous names, dates and places where they had seen accused with others. Detective Nalder said accused frequented Victoria and Hobson Streets. He had often seen Scott in the company of convicted and reputed thieves. “1 have also seen him in and out of hotels with men under the influence of liquor,” added Detective Xalder.

Detective Packman also gave evidence, quoting two or three instances of having “noted” Scott. Mr Askins said he did not propose to call Scott to give evidence. All the men with whom Scott had been seen, mostly in the daytime, with two exceptions, were men of Scott’s own type —wharf labourers and seafaring men. Scott was on relief work two days per week. He was a single man with no home ties, and lived alone in a room in the city. “He cannot be expected to stay in his bedroom all day long,” said counsel. In convicting Scott, the magistrate asked what was known against him. “His record is not a bad one,” commented Mr Wyvern Wilson, on ■ « ’ reading the list produced by Detec-tive-Sergeant McHugh. “He has been convicted twice of assault and once for drunkenness. Scott will be. convicted and ordered to come up for sentence if called upon within six months. That will keep a hold on him, and if he misbehaves himself lie can be brought up and dealt with on this charge.” One of the conditions imposed was that Scott should abstain from intoxicating liquor and keep away from hotels.