PLEA FROM DOCK

Wanganui Chronicle, 22 February 1947, Page 6

PLEA FROM DOCK

SEAMAN CHARGED WITH THEFT HP. A.) New Plymouth, Feb. 20 ‘T know I must be punished for what I’ve done. I’m not frightened to go to gaol, but could you give me the ‘cat’ instead? I want to go back home to my wife, who is the most important thing in the world to me." declared James William Ward, aged 23, greaser on the Port MacQuarrie, when he admitted theft of a watch from a jeweller, but denied an assault charge and wilful damage. The police said Ward asked to see some watches in the jewellers and put one in his pocket when the jeweller was engaged with another customer.'

When taxed with the theft, Ward struck the jeweller and kicked in a glass front of a showcase. He made off and was later identified on the ship and arrested. *T believe in God and the Bible and don’t make a habit of breaking the law of England and New Zealand,” said W’ard when sentenced. “I ask to be allowed to go back to England to my wife and daughter. If you would give me ten strokes of the birch instead of putting me in gaol I would be thankful.” Ward was given one month’s gaol for theft and fined £3 for assault and convicted of wilful damage without a penalty because he had no more money* to pay a fine.