POLICE COURT.—This Day.

Auckland Star, Volume IV, Issue 1190, 15 November 1873, Page 2

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before T. Beckhain, Esq., R.M.) IVRUXKEXXESS AND VAGRANCY,

Bridget Hawkey, an old offender, was brought before the Court charged with being drunk the previous night, and also with being an habitual drunkard and vagrant. This woman is the wife of a soldier who is with his regiment in' England, and she has been such a continual nuisance aid expense to the province that the authorities have been consulting as to the advisability of paying her passage and sending her to the old country where her husband w "'1 be liable for her support—not a very pleasing prospect for him, perhaps, but a saving to bhis country. The negotiations for her shipment per " Countess of Kiutore," which have been pending for the past week or two, have however come to noting. Since 1866 to the present time there have been 36 convictions recorded against this delinquent, and it is obviously a puzzle to authorities what to do with her. On being brought before the Court this morning she pleaded guilty, and said she had only just come out of gaol, and had no home or friends to go to, so she got drunk out of desperation, and wished she was dead. She was fined 10s, or 48 hours impilsonment. The cases under the Vagrant Act against her were not proceeded with. It is understood that efforts will be made to send her home by the City of Auckland or early ship to England at the expense of the Pro\ Incial authorities.

Wll'ram Chandler, charged with being drunk in Queen-street the previous night, was fined 10s., with the alternative of fortyeight hours' imprisonment in case of nonpayment. Matthew Whitelaw, for a like offence, was dealt with in like manner.