“ THE LAW IS HARD, BUT IT HAS TO BE.”

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18467, 19 May 1928, Page 1

“ THE LAW IS HARD, BUT IT HAS TO BE.”

PROBATIONER’S CONDUCT LANDS HIM IN TROUBLE.

William Hay Ramsay appeared before Mr E. D. Mosley, S.M., in the Magistrate’s Court this morning charged with breaking the terms of his release on probation.

Mr Darby, the probation officer, said that accused was admitted to probation for two years in 1926 and was ordered to make restitution of £22 Is Bd. “So far he has failed to do this,” said Mr Darby.. “ His general conduct has been entirely unsatisfactory. He was treated very leniently by a wellknown business man who took compassion on him and gave him light jobs. Accused defrauded him. His conduct with young women has also been unsatisfactory.” Accused was suffering from tuberculosis, said Mr Darby, but refused to go to a sanatorium although arrangements were made for his admission by Dr Blackmore. “ His present state is a ially to women,” said Mr Darby. Accused came of a good family but had given them an enormous amount of trouble. Accused’s father said that during the last fifteen months his son had been in the hospital four times and had two serious operations. He was unable to work or pay off the amount. The Magistrate: He defrauded his employer of the money and it was a special condition of the Court that he should return it. He has not done this and must take the consequences. The law is hard, I know, but it’s got to be so that the probation system may continue. From the back of the Court accused’s brother-in-law offered to pay £l4 into the Court at once. Mr Mosley: I want the full £22 Is 8d or nothing at all. The brother-in-law: There is some argument about the amount. Mr Mosley: I am not going to hear any argument about the amount. I want the full amount or nothing at all. The brother-in-law then offered to fix the amount on Monday and the Magistrate remanded Ramsay in custody till that day.