AN “OLD SOLDIER.”

Otago Witness, Issue 3832, 23 August 1927, Page 27

AN “OLD SOLDIER.”

COURT EXTENDS LENIENCY. COX’S CHANGED ATTITUDE. CHRISTCRURCH, August 19. The Albert Cox who told such a grandiloquent story of varied adventures and personal friendship with King George, and so on, to Mr E. D. Mosley, S.M., yesterday, was seemingly a very different man to the Cox who appeared on remand this morning. He was remanded after a lengthy hearing yesterday to enable the court to verify his story that at the Navy League office were to be found full records of his Imperial Army, naval, and police service. The charges against Cox were that on August 8 he stole a coat, gloves, and a diary to the total value of £5 Bs, the property of the Rev. John Kendrick Archer, Mayor of Christchurch, and also that he received the articles.

“Well, Cox,” said Mr Mosley, “I have had the opportunity owing to the courtsev of your counsel, Mr Thomas, of perusing certain documents which he obtained from the Navy League office. I find that your service record dates back to 1881, “and your record while in the Royal Navy was a good one. You have had a very lengthy service. I also found that your service in the Great War has been quite satisfactory, and I am inclined to give you another chance. Cox: Thank you. The Magistrate: Are you getting a pension ?—Yes. Where do you draw it?—At the post office.

When did you last draw it?—On July 12, sir. Have you got any papers showing this? "-My papers are all with the secretary of the Returned Soldiers’ Association, sir. Mr C. S. Thomas : Here is a Post Office account book, sir. Cox opened the account on July 12, when he put £l2 in. That might be accepted as proof in a wav Tffie Magistrate (to Cox): Drink''and probably something else seems to be vour trouble. I think you should take out a prohibition order. Cox: 1 will do that, sir. The Mayor asked the court to deal leniently with you,” continued the Magistrate, and I am inclined to adopt that view Do not g-et into trouble again, Get some proper work to do.” Cox replied without a trace of the impressiveness of yesterday: “I am only waiting now, sir. The contract has been signed to blast the rocks in the Waimakariri and put the bridge across.” The Magistrate: Idle hands get into P! IS . you know. On signing- a prohibition order the case against you will be dismissed.