VAGABOND COUPLE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXI, Issue 18957, 7 March 1924, Page 3

VAGABOND COUPLE

ANOTHER ESCAPE. VOYAGE AROUND GULF The story of a stronge liaison, for the termination of which the united efforts of the city missioner, the Salvation Army and the police, have been unsuccessful, was revealed in the Auckland Police Court on Monday, when Dorothy Myra Lennox, aged 18, and Frank Ratcliffe, aged 20, appeared before Mr J. W. Poynton, S.M., upon charges of having unlawfully converted a yacht to their use and having failed to comply with the terms of their release upon probation. Some months ago the two accused left their homes and together established a crude camp on the reclamation near Campbell’s Point. Here they remained for some days before they were apprehended by the police. When charged at the Police Court with vagracy they appeared quite unrepentant, but Mr Poynton released them upon probation after warning them that they must not associate with one another. The girl then returned to her home, and Adjutant Gordon endeavoured to keep her away from the youth. The Rev. Jasper Calder took steps to place Ratcliffe in employment and keep him under observation.

Apparently the two young people did not relish the restraint placed upon them, and the appeal of vagabondage proved irresistible. It is alleged that several days ago the two accused took a small yacht from Judge’s Bay and sailed to Rangitoto. A day was spent here, and then followed a visit to various bays until the cruise was brought to a close by a mishap to the boat in Murray’s Bay. The pair presented a very unkempt appearance when they stepped into the dock on Monday and the girl scowled belligerently at the Court officials. They kept close together and exchanged furtive whispers when the charges were read out.

Senior-Detective Ward said that investigations were proceeding and that there was a possibility of further charges being preferred . Mr Poynton: I will grant a remand until next Monday if the adjutant can look after the girl. Adjutant Gordon: I will answer for her until then.

Rev. Jasper Calder: I am sorry, but I cannot urge bail or undertake any responsibility for' Ratcliffe. Mr Poynton. Very well! He will have to go to gaol until Monday.