“THANK YOU.”

Hokitika Guardian, 27 May 1924, Page 3

“THANK YOU.”

a loquacious prisoner. AUCKLAND, M;iv 2.j. An ntixiotis smile spread over the round, plump (.lee of Waller Vincent, aged sixty-two, jim lie stood clutching tile rails of the dock at the Supreme Court yesterday morning while Alr Jttstire Stringer took his seat preparatory to passing' sentence on the fat little Lancashire man on two charges of having obtained money by false pretences. There had been some delay in 'bringing Vincent forward owing to the fact that the Crown had been waiting for a report regarding the record of tho prisoner. The Crown Prosecutor, Mr (Meredith informed his Honor that the report had not come to hand. Vincent had been found guilty on charges of having Hod Norris and £55 from Henry HastDod Norris ami :i from Henry Hastjngs .Mellor h.v false pretences. ■ ‘‘How long have you been in custody, prisoner?'' queried Mr Justice Stringer.

“i’ll answer anything you ask, Sir,” said Vincent, making a little cup for his ear with his hand. His Honor: Well Urn asking you now how long—

The Crown Prosecutor: He litis been in c.tistodv since February G.

"Could you deal with mo under the Bet tin' Act, Sir?" pleaded Vincent, in a hopeful tone. “It wns a bet, vor know, cause Mr Justice Darling says that whore a ticket is given it’s tt hot. I gave a ticket. Sir. I Mats a bookmaker and they made bets, Sir, nitd that’s accordin' to Justice Darling. Sir. Thank yon.”

11 is Honour coiicealod u smile Koliiin! liis hand.

“If you'll only deal with me under the Bettiii’ Aet, Sir. ' euutinued Viucent rapidly, “you could line me £.mo mi’ I’m willing to psiy it, or you could send me home. Sir. -Ale wife, mid four children arc in Vancouver. Sir, where I come from to here. It wits only lifts, Sir, and they was men of the world, not fools like. I gave them til's what to hack, and they gave me money, I just— ” ‘‘Prisoner it’s of no use you talking like thot to me,” interjected -Mr Justice Stringer. “You have lieon found guilty of getting this money by false pretences.” “Don’t you think the charge was quite wrong, Sir!-'’’ asked Vincent more hopefully than ever. “No certainly not. I entirely agree with it,” retorted his Honour. “Well, won’t you line me, send me home or give me probation, and then I could go to work in stables here:' persisted the prisoner. The Judge said it was no case lor

probation. .Inquiries had been made >**-r l 'buiit prisoner’s reputation, but the s report had not arrived. “So I'll treat tliis a* your first olfcm-e." aid bis Honor. “Thank you very much, oh thank von” burst out Vincent with great enthusiasm.

“Von had better reserve your thanks : till you hear all that 1 have to say.” “Yes, thank you.” Prisoner was a confidence swindler and hut for his early arrest members of the community might have sulfered substantial loss owing to his operations, said Air Justice Stringer. However, in consideration of the fact that prisoner had been in gaol for about ten weeks a sentence of six months’ impHsonmeut would be passed. ' Vincent’s eager eyes fairly sparkled. yThank you Sir." he said again and ’brought his hand to his forehead in a military salute. Then a warder tapped him on the shoulder and he turned to descend the little dark stairway that winds down from the dock to the cells--1 h<|ow'. From the depths came up a linal expression of appreciation "• deep muffled tones: “Thank you very much:”

“Enough of that balking, Ath modes” —Ancient Tale. I tew are of contracting coughs or colds at this time, f.et Baxter s Lung Preserver safeguard your own and your family’s health. A dose of “Baxter’s” now and then .gives gratifying relief in all cases of \ influenza, whooping corgh and colds. * It is rich, warming, penetrative. Also excellent tonic. All chenusts and stores. Geiiecous-sized bottle -s > l > family size Is (id.