AN APPEAL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume X, Issue 2906, 22 May 1873, Page 1 (Supplement)

AN APPEAL.

To the Editor of the Heeald. Sib, —I should like to know on what grounds the unfortunate young womau Cecilia Gates was yesterday sentenced to two months' imprisonment by His Worship the Mayor? She was taken up for being on the wharf at a late hour at night. She was known to be destitute and friendless, and yet it is said that she is good-looking, and well connected. If this is so, can she be radically bad in such a place as Auckland, where, unfortunately, vico and good looks too often flaunt themselves in silks and sutins ? Tet Cecilia Gates has been known to do no wrong ; is poor ; is shabbily dressed ; aud has no friends ;—what is the result ? She is sent, to prison for two mouths. It was stated by the polic3 that she was of unsound mind ; but the doctors say differently. If this young woman, charged with vagrancy, and now imprisoned with the very worst of her sex, had wished to be otherwise than she was, do you not suppose, sir, that she could have made capital out of the lute publicity, and not only have dressed in silks aud velvets, but have put money in her pocket. Would tha police then have locked her up ? I sincerely pity the poor girl. She is undoubtedly of an eccentric turn of mind, but yet not vicious ; indeed, if what I hear be correct, she yet has hopes that a certain person to whom she owes most of her misfortunes will even now return and marry her. Had she not better have no means of support, as it is averred, than such as those who nightly flaunt their shame in our faces in every part of Queen-street. If sho wub poor in pocket, what will she be in soul after two months' imprisonment in Mount Kdeu. Leaving this for the consideration of His Worship the Mayor, and the police who doubtless acted to the best of their judgment, aud regretting that thero is no place in Auckland for such young women as Cecilia Gates 3 who has not yet descended altogether to the pit that leads to perdition,—l am, &c., CIIAEITY. May 20, 1873.