CHRISTMAS IN GAOL.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17223, 14 December 1923, Page 9

CHRISTMAS IN GAOL.

ELDERLY BOOKIE’S PLIGHT. A) deputation including Messrs M. J. Savage and J. A. Lee, M.P.’s. waited upon the Acting Minister of Justice, Sir Francis Bell, in Auckland last week with a request that the sentence of one month’s imprisonment imposed by Mr J. W. Poynton, S.M., upon Charles Phillpot for bookmaking should be partly remitted to enabla Phillpot. who is sixty-eight years of age, to spend Christmas with his family. In a communication received by Mr Savage irom Sir Francis Bell, the Min ister stated that others, including Mr J. S. Dickson, M.P., had since made similar representations to him. “I do not think that either Mr Lee or yourself, or the others since, have suggested that the sentence was unduly severe, having regard to the persistence of the accused in a pursuit which the law forbids.” eays the Minister ; “but if any such suggestion be made I desire to express the opinion that, in the circumstances, the sentence was far from being excessive.” Continuing, the Minister says: “I confess to a natural personal desire to give effect to that. plea, but other im port ant considerations must prevail. I sincerely regret that I cannot consist ontly with my duty as Acting Minister of Justice advise his Excellency to exercise the prerogative of mercy by re during the sentence. I ought to add that I conferred with the Magistrate, and that the conclusion at which I have or rived is not consequent upon any adverse opinion or report of Mr Poynton.”