FOOD FROM REFUSE TINS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18530, 15 October 1923, Page 8

FOOD FROM REFUSE TINS.

VAGRANT SENT TO GAOL. [BV TELEGRAPH.OWN CORRESPONDENT.] DUNEDIN. Saturday. Some facts concerning a well-known character often caricatured in capping processions and cartoons, were disclosed in the Police Court yesterday when Ephraim .White, alias Frank White, appeared before Mr. J. R. Bartholomew, S.M., charged with vagrancy. He pleaded not guilty. Sergeant Gillagan said he had had the accused under observation for some time. He had seen him in the early morning diving into rubbish tins and rummaging the dust bins. He had also scon him pick up apple cores and orange skins and cat them. Accused lived by him'-, self in a hut. Ho wa» (in opium fiend up to quite recently, . Witness found 25s in small coins in his possession, but accused said lie would not spend it on food, as ho wanted to "turn it over." Accused, who said ho was a Russian Jew, said ho could always niako money. Ho went around for bottles, and rags, which lie turned into money. He made about 15s per week and sometimes 20s. Ho made enough to keep himself, and it was only now and then that ho rummaged in tho refuse tins and swill pots. He supposed it was a matter of habit. ■Tho magistrate said ■ that it was evident that the accused did not have. sufficient and lawful means of Support when ho had to go to the refuse tins for a living. A sentence of three months' imprisonment was imposed.