A man named Frederick Hartley, alias Ewart, charged with sheep-stealing, in the Wellington Supreme Court, handed Mr Justice Cooper the following poetic plea in extenuation of hie offence : As we lay in our weary cell, Gazing at the hoavons abovo, Pleading to God for mercy, Thinking of those we love. Qur paronts don’t know where we are* Or their hearts would break in two’ And pray to God their son 3 to save, ’' The Judge to give us our due. ’ We once were well respected, too, Found friends in one and all, But now we broke our country’s law, We’re simply turned towards the wall Our mates left back in the bush, Victorious hope will be, And pray to God to help us for To gain our liberty. Probation, we’re given to understand 1 Is just for first offenders, As we are so, wo try our chance, And don’t see what’s to hinder us. i His Honor said Ewart was not a firsi offender, and sentenced him to 12 months' J)»r3 labor.
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Bibliographic details
Gisborne Times, Volume X, Issue 1023, 16 October 1903, Page 3
Word Count
172Page 3 Advertisements Column 1 Gisborne Times, Volume X, Issue 1023, 16 October 1903, Page 3
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