"AN OLD BIRD."

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 18896, 11 January 1927, Page 9

"AN OLD BIRD."

WORK AND RELIGION.

THREE MONTHS' HARD. (PBESS ASSOCIATIOS TZUSOBAIC.) NAPIER, January 10. , At the Napier Police Court this mornT ing before Mr Dyer, S.M.,Uhhn Nelson, aged thirty-four, was charged with ber ing an idle and disorderly person. He. pleaded not guilty.

Constable O'Halloran (Waipawa) stated that he received a complaint that the man was in IL M. Campbell's property at Poukawa. The man said he was "John the Baptist," and was there to "do the work of the Lord in getting water for the sheep." A hotel keeper, the constable said, had been pestered by him. Senior-Sergeant Powell said accused was in gaol for a week and appeared to be well mentally. Accused said he was not e ordered oft the station. He had had visions from God and was told to publish them. He was told to go forth to Hawke's Bay and do work there in feeding the sheep. He succeeded .in breaking up the drought. He asked for rain at Otane and it came, and the same thing hap* pened at Hastings. His Worship: I think you are put? ting this up on me. Accused: No, Sir, I stand by the Bible. I have failed to get a job although'l have tried. His Worship: I'll find work for you. I think this religious business is for the purpose of escaping punishment. You are an "old bird." You will be given three months' bard labour. There is good solid work for yon to do.