ABSCONDED FROM BAIL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19015, 10 November 1923, Page 13

ABSCONDED FROM BAIL

MAX WITH FALSE MOUSTACHE. , SENTENCED FOR VAGRANCY. “Tie threatened to draw a revolver, saying it would not be the first man he had drilled,’’ said Acting-detective Barling in the Auckland Police Court on Tuesday morning, when giving evidence against William ThoniaSj alias Matthews (30), charged with vagrancy (reports the Star). The detective said that on the night of October 18 he saw Thomas with a young lady at the foot of Grafton road, and questioned him about his mode of living. Not getting a satisfactory answer, the accused was asked to visit the detective office, but on the way he suddenly stopped, saying he was going no further. At the same time he put a hand in his hip pocket and said, ‘T’ve got a gun; you wouldn’t be the first man I have drilled.” The detective then caught hold of the accused and took him to the office, where, on being searched, he was found to possess a falsa moustache and a small bottle of gum, but only a few pence in money. In answer to questions, he admitted that he was Edward Matthews, alias M’Donald, and identical with a person who had been arrested on a charge in Sydney and had absconded while on bail. Accused r Had you ever seen me prior toi the 18th ?—Yes. Did you know that I had only been in Auckland five days?—-You said you had done no work for two months. Did I nor tell you I had been working in the States and getting 45d0l a week?— No. Senior-detective Hammond said that at the detective office he questioned accused about his absconding, which he admitted. Accused ; Do they want me back in Atmtralia?—No; I suppose they are glad to be rid of' you. Accused gave evidence on oath, and said that he had only been in Auckland five days before hig arrest, but had previously been a week in Wellington when he arrived from ’Frisco. He had about £6O in safe keeping, but on the day of his arrest had spent what money he had taken with him that day. Senior-detective Hamond: Who is holding your £6o?—That's my business. You remember the charge against you in Australia? —I have a faint recollection of it. Tbu were charged jointly with- another criminal ? —I happened to be- with him when he was arrested. You absconded from bail?—Yes. You have done no work lately ? —ls a' man compelled to work if he has money? Well, you keep bad company.—Do you call the company I was in bad? It is doubtful.—Well, you should have proved it'by now. Mr Boynton: The false moustache and pretending to draw a revolver have not been explained. Three months.