CAREER OF FRAUD

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19127, 23 September 1936, Page 6

CAREER OF FRAUD

AMERICAN STOWAWAY HOPES OF RETURN (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, this day. A long list, of convictions has been built up by John Edward Owens, aged 41, a, motor mechanic, since his arrival as a. stowaway in 1928. He wishes to return (o America, but under the New Zealand law he cannot be deported. If his behaviour is good, however, he will be. assisted to return. He was dealt with in tho Supreme Court to-day by Mr. Justice Blarr' on charges of obtaining credit by fraud and of obtaining money by false pretences. The judge said that' ho proposed to impose what would only be a nominal i penalty of gaol for a month on each charge, tho sentences to be concurrent. He also would declare the prisoner an habitual criminal. "I have very strong hopes," said tho judge, "that if you behave yourself and' help the prison authorities, you will find it not very long before you are able to return." The prisoner: Yes, but I only get 10s a month if I do work. The judge: I know you don't get very much. The prisoner: It would take me about five years to get my fare. ' The; judge: I am. not saying; they, will <i

expect you to find the whole lot. . _ The prisoner: Suppose the American., Consul can get me on a, boat in the- 1 meantime? ft I The judge: That is in the lap of the 1 gods, that: is all I, can do. . 31