An Immigrant's Plight.

Hokitika Guardian, 12 July 1922, Page 4

An Immigrant's Plight.

Then; would lie no escaped prisoners if all were ’like Hugh Owen, who, though lie has spent, most of the few months he has been in the country in gaol, is still fascinated with prison life. “Since he was convicted two weeks ago,” said Senior Sergt. McC-arthv ol Oiven, who pleaded guilty before Mr W. Mcldrnm, S.M.. yesterday at Greymouth, says the Grey “Star”, to being a rogue and a vagabond, “this man lias been a continual visitor to the station, begging admission to the cells. Last night lie eame in mure like a drowned rat than anything. He had nothing to cat and said that lie had heart trouble and if lie were turned away it would he the death of him.” Tlie man had been in the country 18 months, continued the Senior Sergeant most of which he had spent in gaol. He could find nothing to do. Perhaps it would be better to put him in prison over the winter months, and the prisoner could find something to do when slimmer came. The man himself agreed that he would he better off in prison. “Do you think you ought, to go to prison?” asked the Magistrate, addressing Owen. “Yes,” replied the accused. “Is he in ill-hoalth?” the Magistrate aaked Senior-Sergeant McCarthy.