THREE MONTHS FOR VAGRANCY

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16573, 4 November 1921, Page 8

THREE MONTHS FOR VAGRANCY

• OUT OF THE WAY UNTIL AFTER, CHRISTMAS. Arthur 'Wilfred Cecil Mountford, a man forty-two years of age, appeared at the Magistrate’s Court this morning, on a charge of being a rogue and vagabond and having been found at night on the premises of St Paul’s Schoolroom. He pleaded guilty to Ixbing illegally on the premises, but denied the vagrancy charge. I should explain, your Worship,” he said, 1 * that l have been out of work, and yesterday 1 walked round town having only one meal.” He went on the premises to rest, being exhausted. The Rev Revell stated that recently accused had come to him. He was putting up a good fight against drink which was his rouble. The Magistrate : That is not his only trouble. 1 see by his list lie cannot keep his 1 lands off other people’s property. He has only once been convicted for drunkenness. The Probation Officer stated that accused was at present on probation arising out of a previous charge. The Magistrate: He only came eu» of gaol in July last. Accused pleaded for another chance. He had a canvassing job to go to. His Worship; Canvassing is not a good job for a thief. You have nine previous convictions for theft, and going from house to house canvassing is not a suitable occupation for you at all. You should be kept in gaol until after Christmas anyway. Three months!