PRISONER GOES FISHING

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 963, 5 May 1930, Page 1

PRISONER GOES FISHING

3ALE DELAYS HiS RETUR. MEANT TO GO BACK From Stir Own Correspondent OPOTIKI, Today. In the Police Court this morning, William Wright tv as charged with ljeing an incorrigible- rogue, having escaped from the Opotiki Prison on April 25. He was also charged with unlawfully converting a boat to his own use, the property of James Talbot, and valued at £25. • Sergeant McAlister said the accused was missing on April 25. Later they heard he was at Whakatane, and that he had been seen sailing from Tauranga toward Motiti. Wright- in a lengthy statement said he asked the sergeant if he could collect some wood from the beach, and the sergeant gave him permission. He really intended going fishing. The fishing grounds were no good, and while at the Raurimu Islands a big gale sprang up and he had either to starve or to .go to Motiti Island. He had every intention of returning to Opotiki and explaining everything, but while waiting a favourable opportunity at Motiti, the Tauranga police arrested him. Accused said he had permission to take a boat, but accidentally he took the wrong one. William Burrett, the Northern Company’s agent, said he gave permission to accused to take a boat.

The first charge was dismissed and on the second accused was sentenced to three months’ imprisonment.