A HARD CASE

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIII, Issue 1804, 10 July 1906, Page 3

A HARD CASE

MAGISTRATE’S PROBLEM.

(Per Press Association.)

Auckland, last night. With a record of 200 previous convictions, mainly for drunkenness, and pleads iug guilty to a third ease of inebriety within six months, Henry Barstowe, an old man who came before Mr Kettle, S.M., presented a difficult problem to tbe Court. Barstowe is an old Bo'dier, and when he saluted from tbo dock the Magistrate remarked, “I think I bave eoen you bofore," “Yes, your Worship,” replied the old

man ruefully. Sorgoant Hendry statod that only a few months ago Barstowe was oommitted to prison for three months for the usual offence. He had been in tbe Salvation Army Home, Oostley Home, and, in fact, every one around Auokland bad tried et some time or another to do something to help the old mao, who was 80 years of age. Mr Kettle: Get him on a State farm, where he will do work and be kept away from temptation. Sergeant Hondry: That is his only ohanoe. Mr Kettle ; I wish I bad the power to oommit him to a Slate farm. All I can do is to send him to gaol for 14 days, and when he comes out he will be here again. Tbe Sergeant: He will be clothed and fed, at any rate. “ I don’t mind woib; 1 like gardening," declared the old man, " But a drink or two upsets me." Barstowe was sentenced to If days’ imprisonment, tbe Magistrate prohibiting him for twelve mouths, and asked tbe polios to sec if something could be done to get defendant into the Costley Home or | upon a State farm.