“ LIFE IS HARD.”

Hokitika Guardian, 19 January 1926, Page 1

“ LIFE IS HARD.”

___ -——“ ! “DIALOGUE IN COURT.’

Dialogue between Air McMahon, S.AL, and a pickpocket at tlie Sydney Central Police Court recently: S.AL. consulting the man’s criminal record: There doesn’t seem to Iks much left for you to do, does there. You’ve covered practically everything. Accused : No, but won’t Your ‘Worship give me another chance. I’ve been working hard lately. S.AL: Record dates hack to 1900 when you wore convicted of assaulting the police. Accused: Yes. I’m getting up m vears now. Won’t you give mo another chance?

S.AL : You have served long sentences. Here is one of five yeais for breaking and entering. Accused: (That’s wrong; I didn t serve half before they released me, and I went to the war. S.Af. ; So you have had war service, then. Well, that’s in your favour. Accused: It ought to be. I was away from the country for seven years. S.AL: It seems a pity that you came back. Accused: It is a pity. I’m sorry I ever came back. What’s me prospects? Here 1 go and make another mistake, and- (a motion of disgust). S.AL : It’s become a habit with you. You’ve got to bo taken care of for your own sake. Accused heard the axe fall in stunned silence. “Six months’ gaol, and recommended to be declared an habitual criminal.” “Aly God, life’s hard,” lie sighed, and " ilh slumped shoulders stepped through the sliding door into the cells behind.