HUNGER AND CRIME!

NZ Truth, Issue 216, 14 August 1909, Page 6

HUNGER AND CRIME!

Renwick's Best Meal was m the Lock-up.

Does starvation encourage crime ? Well, a shocking case occurred m Christchurch last week, when Robert Samuel Renwick was charged with the theft of a bike valued at £14, the property of Harold D. Musgrave. In pleading guilty for the accused, -Lawyer Donnelly said tne circumstances, of the case were most distressing m that the man's family was m a terrible state of destitution' ; so bad indeed was their plight that when Renwick was arrested the police fezc constrained to gave ah order for a supply of food. The man wanted work, and said he bad taken the iron steed for the purpose of seeking toil m the out districts. As the "police would probably mention it, counsel hastened to" say that there was something against Renwick previously, but it happened so far back as seven years ago. He pleaded to Beak ailey for leniency and asked that the man should not be sent to gaol. A fine was preferable, and although the man would be xmable to pay it, his father, who lived at Kaikoura, might find the money. His Worship : What are you by occupation ?— l'm a farm laborer. Chief 'Tec. Bishop said that the facts were substantially as had been stated by the lawyer, with the addition that THE MAN'S WIFE' WAS, A CRIPPLE, and was unable to earn her own living. Renwick hadn't been convicted since 1903, when he went up <on seven charges, whilst there were two offences to his discredit m the previous year. The man looked half-starved and probably the best meal he had eaten for some time was at the police station. Mr Donnelly pointed out that the accused had kept straight for seven years. Magistrate Bailey asked if there was any chance of the man. getting work ? Mr Donnelly thought there was, but Renwick had a hesitancy m his speech that might be detrimental to him m competition for toil. The Scotchbyteriau missioner, who happened to be m Court, said he would see the Mayor and have accused's name registered on the municipal list of unemployed, and probably under the circs. Renwick would get toil on Monday morning. Chief 'Tec. Bishop said the wife and children were m a very distressing state. The accused was convicted and ordered to come up for sentence when called upon.