HEARD VOICES

Southland Times, Issue 21823, 28 September 1932, Page 8

HEARD VOICES

RELIEF WORKER BEFORE COURT. TERM OF IMPRISONMENT IMPOSED. An ability which he claimed to possess of hearing mysterious voices and whisperings brought Charles Norton, a single relief worker, into contact with the police. He entered a plea of guilty when charged before Mr E. C. Levvey, S.M., in the Police Court yesterday morning, with being found on premises without lawful excuse, but without intent to commit any other offence.

“He has been at the same game before,” said Senior-Sergeant Packer as he described how Norton had forced his way into a room, declaring that he had heard emanating from it voices talking about himself and his relatives. Norton, who was led away by spiritualism, went on the senior-sergeant, had considerably frightened the occupants of the building. The Magistrate suggested that the accused should be remanded for medical observation.

“No, it’s the second time he has been charged with the same sort of thing. He should be put out of the road for a time,” replied the Senior-Sergeant. “Cunningness, laziness and drink are his trouble.”

“I don’t drink,’’ declared Norton who caused merriment by adding after a pause the qualifying word “much.” He admitted having drink last week-end, but prior to that had had none for six weeks and none before then for about three months.

“I heard voices,” he continued, “but I did not put it down to spiritualism.” The Magistrate: What then, to drink? “No,” replied Norton, who said he was neither cunning nor lazy as alleged by the Senior-Sergeant. “I’ll give you a moderate sentence for a start,” the Magistrate decided, “but if you come up again you will get the maximum.” Norton was convicted and sentenced to 30 days’ imprisonment.