IDLENESS CHARGE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22469, 13 July 1936, Page 12

IDLENESS CHARGE

FRENCH " EXPLORER " A PROBLEM FOR POLICE WALKING ROUND WORLD A "world traveller and French explorer" according to his own pamphlets and a motor mechanic according to tho charge sheet, Louis Joseph Bouvier, aged ;11, appeared on remand in the Police Court 011 Saturday 011 a charge of being idfe and disorderly, with insufficient means of support. When he previously appeared it was stated that he left France in 1929 on a walking tour round the world. Sub-Inspector Fox said the police were not much further ahead, the only representation being a letter from the French Consul, M. Joubert. Tne consul said the authorities had allowed accused to land with only £2 10s, unable to speak English and with no chance of getting work. The consul suggested that these authorities should get him out of tho country again. On account of his desire to travel without working accused had left France twice since 1929 to live exclusively 011 charity. The sub-inspector said that if another remand were granted the Salvation Army was prepared to take accused. A French scholar in tho home might be able to assist him. The collector of customs, Mr. J. Mcintosh, said he had written to his head office concerning accused, but had received no reply. "This is a man who docs not want to work, but wants to live on charity," said the magistrate, Mr. W. It. McKean. "It is difficult to know what to do with him." Through an interpreter, accused said he wanted to get out of New Zealand. "Ho wants to publish his notes and the photographs of his travels," said the interpreter. "Ho says that in other countries he gives lectures in schools and makes money." The Magistrate: Ho can't do that here. Has he ever done anything in the way of hard work in his life. The Interpreter: He was in charge of forest work in the Congo. Tho Magistrate: He won't be in charge of any forest work in Now Zealand. 1 should be very glad to assist him to get away, but I do not know in what way. 1 do not want to send him to prison, but he cannot be allowed to wander around begging for money.

Accused was remanded in the charge of the Salvation Army for a week. SubInspector Fox said he thought the army should know that accused had threatened to commit suicide on several occasions, but Mr. Fox did not think he was serious.