PROWLER CAUGHT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23201, 22 November 1938, Page 16

PROWLER CAUGHT

NEGRO FROM STEAMER TRAPPED IN BATHROOM FINE OF £2O IMPOSED [UY TELEGRAPH OWN CORRESPONDENT] WESTPOUT, Monday Charged with being a rogue and a vagabond, in that he was found unlawfully on the premises of Mr. A. G. Mockett at 3 a.m. on November 19, .John Davis, u negro member of the crew of the overseas vessel Polity Pridd, appeared in the West port Police Court, before .Messrs. F. Morgan and G. Aitkcn, J.P.'s. He pleaded guilty, and was fined £2O and ordered to pay costs, and was ordered to bo placed on the ship,' which had left port and was waiting in the roadstead. Sergeant H. H. Russell said the case was a most serious one. as the shock of finding such a person in a house may have proved serious to any women occupants. The charge might have been made more serious, he said, but accused was a prohibited immigrant and if he was dealt with and put on his ship the country would not see him again. Accused said that a white friend had- shown him round the town. He admitted entering another house the previous night. Evidence was given by Alfred G. Mockett that his wife called him on the morning of the offence and told him theri was someone in the house. Ho got out of bed and saw accused in the hall. He tried to get away, but ran into a bathroom and was trapped when witness locked the door and called the police. Accused had left his boots outside the house.