IDLE AND DISORDERLY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19511, 15 December 1926, Page 17

IDLE AND DISORDERLY.

SEVERAL MEN CHARGED. PRE-CHRISTMAS CAMPAIGN. WARNING TO SECURE *WORK: The annual campaign by the police against undesirable characters in preparation for the Christmas season resulted in the appearance of a number of men in the Police Court yesterday charged with being idle and disorderly, in that they had insufficient lawful means of support. Chief-Detective Cummings said undesirable characters came into the city early and waited about until the crowds gathered at Christmas time They were generally penniless and committed petty offences to get money. They could often be seen round the streets where cars were parked looking for a chance to steal rugs and cushions. They fyad all been warned to get work but would not do so. In regard to Archibald McColm, aged 34, Constable Packman said accused had been in New Zealand only seven months and had done no work for five weeks. He had been hanging about the waterfront. The Magistrate, Mr. Hunt: Yes. These men loaf on the sailon. ' Accused said he had had several jobs recently and in one week made £2O. The magistrate convicted accused and ordered him to come up for sentence if called upon in one week's time, warning him to work under the direction of Captain Davies, of the Salvation Army, otherwise he would be imprisoned for three months. "He has been round town for the past month dressed as a swagger," said a constable, in the case of William John Hamilton, aged 67. On one occasion accused accosted him and asked for money, saying he had just arrived in town, although witness knew he had been in town for a fortnight. Senior-Sergeant Edwards said this was accused's 135 th appearance in Court. The magistrate passed sentence of three months' imprisonment, remarking that this would keep accused out of the way until after Christmas. John Edwards, aged 31, was ordered to come up for sentence in one week. The magistrate said that if accused had not got work by then he would be given it at Mount Eden. • • " I cannot get work at the present time," was the excuse offered by Joseph Hollis, aged 68. Evidence was given that accused did not work. He had only Is 2d when arrested. He had 18 previous convictions, one being for dishonesty. " This is a different type of man altogether," said Mr. Hunt. "He has a bad record. We are not going to have him about. He is sentenced to three months' imprisonment." William Litt, aged 56, said he had been idle for five weeks, but had not been disorderly. He had come from Ivaraka. The magistrate directed him to return to Karaka at once, ordering him to come up for sentence in a week's time if called upon. Percy James Walsh, aged 53, was remanded for a week.