NOT A PRISON CASE

New Zealand Times, Volume XL, Issue 9042, 13 May 1915, Page 7

NOT A PRISON CASE

YOUNG WOMAN ENTRUSTED TO SALVATION ARMY. , The young woman May Wills, who was found guilty of theft of money from a Chinaman at Potone, appeared before His Honour the Chief Justice (Sir Robert Stout) for sentence yesterday morning. Mr H. F. O’Leary, who appeared for the. accused, saioi he hoped that His Honour would give full effect to the jury’s recommendation to mercy on account of the youth and the temptation placed before her. The girl was left an orphan at the age of fourteen years, and sincß had to make her way in the world as .best she oould. Apparently, at the age of eighteen, she kept company with some man, and the result was not a marriage; the main deserted her, end she was left with' a child to maintain. She was committed for trial some three months ago, and was two montlis in gaol before a friend camo to her assistance. During the remaining month she went to service, and remained so engaged till the date of trial. i His Honour said that the accused wanted ; some guidance. Ho did -not wish to send her ’to prison; but if there was some home •where she could be looked after, that was’ the only chance of saving her. A lady representing the Salvation Army was present, and intimated that that body would be prepared to take the accused and do its best for her. His Honour accepted the offer, stating that the prisoner would thus have a comfortable home, would bo away: from temptation, and would be guided in her life. ■ To send her to prison would not do her any good. His Honour stated that ho would grant tho prisoner probation, hut one of the conditions would bo that she must stay in the Salvation Army’s home until released by the court. The term of probation was for two years, with liberty to 1 make application to the court alter six months for. release from the homo.