DISORDERLY HOUSE.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 226, 24 September 1929, Page 5

DISORDERLY HOUSE.

!N FREEMAN'S BAY. VISIT3D BTt POLICE. THREE PERSONS ARRESTED.

A sordid story was unfolded at tlie Police Court this morning when two women and a man, arrested in a house in Freeman's Bay last night, appeared, on charges of being idle and disorderly persons who habitually consorted with reputed thieves and undesirables and persons with insufficient means of support. They were Alfred Ehodes (71), a bootmaker, Elizabeth Carswell (49) and Ada Harwood (40). Rhodes pleaded not guilty. "I was born 71 years ago and have always behaved myself. I've never had a charge against me, either," he told the magistrate. "Keep quiet while the constable gives his evidence. You have got one against you now, anyhow," Mr. Hunt told Rhodes. Constables Jones and Yeoward, of Freeman's Bay, said they had received complaints about a house in Barnard Street. This house was rented by Rhodes and was frequented by women of low character. Last evening, at 6.30, they went to the house. "The house was in a filthy condition," said Constable Jones. "It was disgraceful. There was a gallon jar of beer on the table, and dozens of empty beer bottles scattered about the place. Rhodes is an old-age pensioner and has occupied the house for ten weeks. He encouraged women to visit there. The room where the three accused were had no blind and they could all be seen from the street. They were all under the influence of liquor."

Rhodes said he did not know who the women were. The only women who camo to his house were those who cleaned it out. "I've heen in business for many years, and have never been in trouble," he added. Mr. Hunt said Rhodes wanted pulling up. "I won't ruin him, for this, but I will remand him for a week in gaol, so that the liquor can be got out of his system," said the magistrate. Carswell pleaded guilty. Sub-Inspector McCarthy said Carswell had not been long out of gaol after serving a three months' sentence. She had a long list of previous convictions, and had gone from bad to worse. She was sent to gaol for three months. Harwood. said the sub-inspector, was in such a bad condition that she could not leave the prisoners' room to appear hi Court. She was remanded for medical treatment until October 1.