SILENT JOHN

NZ Truth, Issue 1051, 14 January 1926, Page 7

SILENT JOHN

LIVED ON LIQUOR Five Months' Spree (From "Truth's" Special Christchurch Rep.) : "Solidly muddled for five months" was the claim made by counsel on behalf of John Hubbard, a nuggety Aussie, who was charged before the Christchurch Magistrate with the theft of a bicycle. Hubbard took little interest m the proceedings, mumbling a plea of not guilty. For the few minutes he "was m the dock he gazed straight m front of him, his «yes holding as much expression as would be found m a stranded codfish. He did not dispute the "endurance" drinking record attributed to him, and his general appearance spoke eloquently of his capacity to sink the liquor. Hubbard, it appeared, helped himself to the bicycle and rode it to Kaiapoi, Where he pledged it for his board with mine host of the local hostelry. Later he collected the machine again. "Will Not Speak" "There is nothing known against him previously," . said Chief-Detective Gibson, "Can you say anything m his favor?" asked, the Magistrate. , "No; he came from Australja originally, but I can say nothing m his favor. He is a man who won't speak and will give us no information." Hubbard's counsel (Mr. McLachlan) said the accused had been drinking pretty regularly for the past five or six months. He was m a very muddled state of mind, but he admitted the theft. ■ , i "Solidly muddled for five of six months, eh?" asked the Magistrate. "Pretty well," replied counsel. "The best thing to do with him is to send him where he can get the drink out of him. One month's hard labor." .