A MODERN MICAWBER.

Hokitika Guardian, 18 January 1926, Page 4

A MODERN MICAWBER.

AMUSING EVIDENCE IN COURT,

WELLINGTON, Jan. 12. A modern counterpart of Dickens’s famous character, Micawber, the man who spent 3iis life in “waiting for something to turn up.” occupied the dock in tho Magistrate's Court yesterday. The gentlemen in question was John Miller, a professor of elocution and languages, who appeared on a charge of being idle and disorderly. “This man is an out-and-ouT vagrant and a general nuisance,” said Chief-Detoeti vc Kemp, in outlining the ease. “He arrived here in August last, and has done little or no work, except to cadge from people.” “One moment,” interrupted Miller. “I have been to the Director of Education to try and get work as a teacher. I am an agent for an insect exterminator, and hope to derive over CIOO a month as soon as it i.s started.” “Do you?” said the chief detective. “I think you are like Micawber—always waiting for something to turn up. You have great expectations.” “I don’t like sarcasm,” was tho rejoinder.

“No, nor work either,” said the chief detective.

Do you remember visiting the Hotel on one occasion ? Accused : Yes. You collapsed there, did you not?— “Yes. I was doped.” (laughter). Oli! You were doped were you?— “I es, and when I came to my glasses had been smashed and my money tnkein. Then that night they told me to go to licit.” (Laughter). Y here wore you when you came to? “In a hath.” (Laughter). How did von get there?—“l haven’t the faintest idea. I fold you I was doped.” You spout t!| e day in the hath then? “f am a clean iellow inside and out.” (Renewed laughter). Rut there was no water in the bath. —“'That may be so.” How much money did you have on you?—Between 80s and -10 s., which T had collected for tho inscctide. “Which was fourteen thousand miles away,” observed the chief detective as lie resumed his seat. Mr On- Walker, S.M..- What is to W’ done with this man, Chief Detective? Mr Kemp: I suggest- a term of imprisonment. The Magistrate reserved his decision until tho afternoon session, when he announced that art or having givan the ease consideration ho had come to the conclusion that he must impose a form of imprisonment. Accused was sentenced to two months’ imprisonment with hard labour.