SAVED BY CHILD

NZ Truth, Issue 1062, 1 April 1926, Page 8

SAVED BY CHILD

I ♦ Contemptible Thief CANTELL'S CHANCE (From "Truth's" Special Auckland Rep.) Robert James Cantell is the father of a young child. Though that fact may not have concerned him greatly, nevertheless the youngster was the cause of his not having been sent to prison by S.M. Hunt at Auckland the other day. For the last six months Cantell has been wandering about New Zealand under the name of Bert Campbell. He was arrested on another charge which established his identity. Some time ago Cantell was eng-ag-ed on a farm and shared a room, with another worker. During the absence of his workmate and another occupant of the place Cantell helped himself to the belongings of his companions. He took a brief bag, two £5 notes and a quantity of personal effects to the total value of £16/5/-. Mr. Allan Moody found it hai'd to say anything: m mitigation of the offence and S.M. Hunt said he did not wonder at that. Cantell, said counsel, had been living apart from his wife, but he had never been m any serious trouble before. The father of the accused had now procured a job for him m Auckland, where he would be able to look after him. It appeared to be close supervision that the accused needed. Mr. Hunt: I don't know that he should get probation. I think that a month would do him good.. There is only the fact of the maintenance on behalf of the child. If he goes to prison that falls on someone else." Rev. Jasper Calder said he knew the whole family: Cantell was prepared to put himself m the hands of the city missioner. "I'll, be the first to hit him up if he goes wrong, sir," said the rev. gentleman reassuringly to the Bench. "I don't know that I should not hit him now" was the Magistrate's reply. probation was ultimately allowed on very strict conditions, Cantell to make restitution' to the tune of £16/5/-.