A SOCIAL REBEL

Waipa Post, Volume 42, Issue 3269, 7 March 1931, Page 5

A SOCIAL REBEL

THEFT FROM BISHOPSCOURT.

A strong personal plea that prisoner be given a chance to re-estab-'ish himself in society was made by by Mr de ia Mare in the Supreme Court at Hamilton on Thursday, when speaking on behalf of a smaM hunchback, Allan David Macßoger. The latter came up for sentence for theft from Bishopscourt. Mr de "a Mare said he spoke with personal knowledge of the prisoner, and he asked his Honor to consider the boy's history. He was sent to an mdustria. school at the age of 12, and had been in gaol practically ever since. He was pugnacious, quick " tempered, and a natura' instinct made him hit back whenever society hit him in any way. He was, in fact, a socia] rebel. Five or s : x vears ago he was committed to 'Waikeria and Mr de la Mare had great p easure in testifying to the humane treatment of that institution. ' It had caused a revoution in prisoner's character in all respects. Three years ago, he left Waikeria. and, by reason of industry and social instincts, had «created in the minds of those who emp'oyed him a feeling of trust and confidence. His Honor decided to give prisoner a chance. He hesitated very much to do so. but the case was one which the Court, perhaps, shou'd make an experiment with. Prisoner was admitted to three years' probation.