AN HABITUAL CRIMINAL.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2290, 8 September 1908, Page 2

AN HABITUAL CRIMINAL.

RELEASE ON PROBATION. CRIMINAL INSTINCTS AWAKE AGAIN. [Press Association.] NEW PLYMOUTH, Sept. -7. Archibald McNeil was tho first prisoner to ho confined in the habitual prisoners’ wing of the local gaol. Ho was there by himself for about eight months, no other offender being sent to the wing during that time. The solitary confinement so preyed upon his mind that he implored the gaolers to be allowed out in accordance with the provisions of the Habitual Criminals Act. He was then sent to a. farm at Bellblock, where he was very kindly treated. lie was on probation, having to report himself to the police once a 111011th. Had he remained" on the farm for two years ho would have been H et completely at liberty, but the criminal instincts in him awoke again and lie cleared out. •Since doing so he is alleged to liave committed a further offence and is now liable to arrest. The case seems to be simply one of mistaken kindness. Tho local gaoler (Mr. Millington) told .a “Herald” representative to-day how tile order for McNeil’s release had been obtained. The prisoner petitioned the Government for some respite from his harsh confinement.' The petition was referred to Judge Cooper, who visited the gaol and inquired into the case. Then the matter was referred to the Consultative Committee, consisting of the local Magistrate and visiting justices. This committee sent out t 0 tho Government a recommendation and in accordance with tills McNeil was released on probation for two years. The duty then fell on Mr. Millington of finding work for the man, and lie got him a billet oil Bellblock farm. The'pfison authorities had no power to arrest McNeil after his escape until one month should have expired, for he was only required to report himself once a month. The month would have expired next Friday, but, in the meanwhile, a warrant has been issued for the man’s arrest on other charges.