MEN GET TERM IN PAPARUA.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18332, 8 December 1927, Page 9

MEN GET TERM IN PAPARUA.

WERE “HANGING ROUND” STREETS, POLICE SAY.

Charged with being an incorrigible rogue, one man was sent to gaol for twelve months to-day, and on a similar charge another received a term of six months. Both were stated by the police to have been hanging around the streets, stopping people as they passed. On each was found a partlyconsumed bottle of methylated spirits. The accused were William Herbert Vincent, aged forty-three, and Patrick Mangan, aged fifty-four. They were charged with being incorrigible rogues, having previously been convicted as rogues and vagabonds. Both pleaded not guilty. The case against Vincent was heard first. Constable A. V. Smith said that he had kept Vincent under observation for, twelve days. Vincent had been hanging round hotels. Yesterday, Vincent, in company with Mangan, had stopped seven people in just over half an hour. When arrested, Vincent had in his possession a partially-consumed flask of methylated spirits. Vincent, who had been put out of the Salvation Army on account of his habits, had recently been released from Paparua Prison. Constable M’Cormack gave corroborative evidence. The Magistrate (Mr E. D. Mosley, S.M.): Has he been out in the country working ? ' Constable M’Cormack: Er—he’s just come out of Paparua during the past month. . Vincent said that he was expecting £lO from Wellington. The Magistrate: Where did you work last? Not in Paparua, but in private employment?—l worked at Dunedin. I’m a hardworking man. Senior-Sergeant Fitzpatrick: He’s done a lot of work for the Government.

The Magistrate: What .were you doing drinking methylated spirits It’s horrible stuff. Vincent: I only had a little nip.

The Magistrate: It’s horrible stuff. Vincent: I’m a good worker. I’m as steady to-day as anyone in the Court.

The Magistrate: Yes, you're a good worker. I’m going to proride work for you. Vincent: Give me a chance.

The Magistrate: Yes, I’m giving you a chance. Twelve months at Paparua.

In Mangan’s case it Was stated that he had a small bottle of methylated spirits on him.

Constable Smith said that he asked Mangan where he was living. His reply was, "At the United Service Hotel."

Mangan pleaded to be given a chance. He promised to go out of town. The Magistrate: You haven’t got quite as bad a list as the other man. Six months at Paparua.