MAN HAS LONG LIST AND IS CAUTIONED.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18985, 3 February 1930, Page 9

MAN HAS LONG LIST AND IS CAUTIONED.

CONVICTIONS AGAINST HIM NOW TOTAL 148

(Special to the “Star.”) AUCKLAND, February 3.

William John Hamilton, aged 72, with 147 previous convictions, was ordered to come up for sentence within three months on a charge of being idle and disorderly. A constable said that Hamilton had been arrested on a tram on Saturday for not paying his fare. All the food he had had that day was a >glass of beer.

“I’m not guiltj r , gentlemen,” observed the prisoner. “I've, plenty of honourable means and sisters, and relatives to live with.”

“Where do ydu live?” asked the Magistrate (Mr M’Kean). “I lived in the lock-up last night. Anyway the constable doesn’t know his duty. A champion boxer wants to take me to America as the champion Maori speaker of New Zealand and I’ve got a ticket to see a doctor about my leg. I’ll show it to your Worship.” Hamilton started to pull up his trousers but was stopped by an agitated constable.

A Salvation Army representative said that he offered to look after Hamilton, but he refused assistance. •‘l’ll go to the hospital. Will that do?” inquired accused.

“No, that won’t do,” replied the Magistrae, “and if you come up within the next few days you’ll be sent to gaol.”