CHARGES OF VAGRANCY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19474, 2 November 1926, Page 13

CHARGES OF VAGRANCY.

ELDERLY MAN !N COURT. ASLEEP UNDER A BRIDGE. "That is not correct. In the first place, my people send me money from Home. In the second place, the Government allows me a small pension. In the third place, there is a gentleman here who is willing to give me employment." This statement "was made by William Arthur Cocker, aged 60, when asked to plead in the Police Court yesterday to a charge of being idle and disorderly. A constable stated he found accused asleep under Grafton Bridge at 5.45 a.m. that. day. Accused was wet and in a dilapidated condition and said he had no money. A sergeant said he had known defendant for many years. He had an income of some sort, but he was always about the town making "a proper pest of himself." Ho was always more or less under the influence of liquor, and so far as witness knew he did no«work. He had received charity from various sources. The Magistrate, Mr. Gotten, to accused: I do not want to enter a conviction, as this is rather a serious charge. If you will consent to take out a prohibition order I will dismiss the charge. Otherwise, I will convict you and make the order. Accused: Can you give another chance : This is rather sudden to have another prohibition order against me. Mr. Cutten: You will get no more chances. You must make up your mind quicklv. Accused: In that case I will accept the prohibition order. John Edwards, aged 32, pleaded guilty to a similar charge. Sergeant CalweE said accused was found sleeping out on the Freeman's Bay reclamation. Ho admitted he had not done any work since May, when he signed off a ship. He had no money and nowhere to sleep. He had been before the Court for drunkenness four times since May. Accused was remanded for a week.