VAGRANTS GAOLED

Taranaki Daily News, 16 January 1935, Page 9

VAGRANTS GAOLED

TWO MEN CONVICTED AT ELTHAM. ONE SENTENCED FOR THEFT. Alex McDonald and Thomas David Thomas, who arrived at Eltham on Monday, found themselves in trouble before the end of the day, and after spending a night in the lock-up were charged with drunkenness before Mr. I. J. Bridger, J.P., yesterday. McDonald was also charged with the theft of a bottle of lavender water valued at 6s 6d, the property of H. E. Nicholls, and Thomas was charged with vagrancy. Pleas of guilty were entered to all four charges. Thomas was convicted and discharged on the charge of drunkenness and sentenced to one month’s hard labour on the charge of vagrancy. McDonald was convicted, and discharged on the charge of drunkenness and sentenced to three months’ hard labour on the charge of theft. Constable Townsend said both men were ordered out of Hawera by the police and came to Eltham. Thomas had a bad record and was released from Wellington gaol only on January 3 after serving a sentence of three months for vagrancy. McDonald was an old companion of Thomas and was discharged the same day for a similar offence. Both were drunk at Eltham on Monday and had been begging in the streets for money for food, which was expended on liquor. When arrested one man had 3s Id in his possession and the other 2s. McDonald went to Mr. Nicholls’ shop to get something for one of his eyes, and while the lotion was being prepared he took the bottle of lavender water. He declared he found it under a hedge on the road from Hawera, but he subsequently admitted stealing it. The two men were apparently inseparable companions and both had a list of previous convictions. Thomas asked for leniency in order to make a fresh start in life. He said his people lived at Taupo and he had a job awaiting him there. Mr. Bridger: You should have learned your lesson by now. Thomas: Now I have a few convictions against me it is easy for the police t» put another charge of vagrancy against me. Mr. Bridger: You will not be arrested unless you make a nuisance of yourself as you did at Eltham, cadging money and spending it on liquor. If you conduct yourself decently there are plenty of people who will assist you. McDonald also made an appeal for leniency, and Mr. Bridger said he would give him an opportunity of separating himself from Thomas. “You will be released from gaol two months after Thomas, who will have a big start on you, and I trust you will not catch up with him.”