ATHLETIC "SWELLED HEAD"

NZ Truth, 7 June 1924, Page 6

ATHLETIC "SWELLED HEAD"

iChampion Cricketer's Fall

Twelve Months to Reflect.

(From "Truth's" Dunedin Rep.)

Not so many years ago Tommy McFarlane, a product of the northend of Dunedin, had a meteoric rise to fame m the cricket world, and when he was little more than a lad his brilliant batting and, steady bowling gained for him a place m the New Zealand eleven. Of recent years, however, he has fallen on evil times, brought about solely through his fondness for drink. Cricketers generally and the probation officer have done what they -could to lead Tommy back to a sense of moderation, but evidently tho fight is beyond him, for last week he was called on to answer a charge of breach of probation. ' . j

The probation officer said that on two charges of breaking, entering, and theft, McFarlane had on- February 13, 1923; been placed on probation for two years by the Chief Justice. One of the conditions upon which probation was granted was that McFarlane should take put a prohibition order. "Unfortunately I have had to deal with him on more than one occasion, but I got the Justice Department to overlook them. On March 28 I saw him coming out of an hotel, and m view of previous warnings given to him, I could not close my eyes." Witness added that when accused was before the Chief Justice,' a powerful appeal was made on his behalf, and a number of prominent citizens offered to help him. His Honor: The report suggests that accused should be now dealt with on the original charge, and thus give him a fresh start. I cannot send him to an inebriates' home, as under the Offenders' Probation Act I am limited to sending him to gaol.

Mr. Irwin (for accused): The original offence for which he was convicted, sir, was really the outcome of a drunken, spree with another man.

His Honor: He had sufficient, sense to break into the place by climbing through a window, and he took 81b of tea.

Mr. Irwin: Accused is not recognised by the police as one of the criminal class. The trouble appeared' to be that he became somewhat famous as a cricketer and eventually represented New Zealand. His friends admired him so much that they got him drinkIng until he became addicted to drink. Accused had kept the terms of his probation for some time, and I ask, sir, that he be given another chance on condition that he goes to a noliccnse district.

His Honor: I was In a no-license district, and all the cases except one were due to drink.

Mr. Irwin: What I meant to suggest was that ho should go to the country. He got through about 16 months of his probation, and it Is only fair to say that the probation officer has been very good to him.

His Honor: I agree with the probation officer's suggestion that accused should bo sent to gaol for a time, and I hope the case will act as a warning to others. Prisoner will bo detained for reformative purposes for 12 calendar months, and it depends entirely on the Prisons Board whether they let him go or not.