LOOKING FOR WORK.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVII, Issue 5000, 14 July 1926, Page 2

LOOKING FOR WORK.

UNABLE TO FIND IT.

A NEW ARRIVAL’S EXPERIENCE. Some.tinjes there is a cruel irony about the charge “of being an idle and disorderly person,” which in the list of police offences is so elastic. “Idle,” from necessity, not inclination, a.nd the law steps in. A man seeks for work and capnot get it, and just because he, cannot secure work he lacks, the means of sustenance. 'And the law says he is an "'idle” person. On this charge a decent-looking young man of 22 years of age, named William Binkman, appeared before Mr C. M. Gummer, J.P„ a,t the, Morrinsville Court on Monday. His story w?s one of shattered illusions, of ex-, pectations and hopes which had fallen to the ground. Nineteen months ago he came from Ireland to the Dominion, to seek a home and a living in a new land. A >farm labourer by occupation, he obtained work on landing in this country. Some weeks ago he lost his employment, apd was unable to get another job.’ Then he set out to walk the country, and finally landed in Morrinsville* on Saturday, wet through, and cold and hungry, and with the sum of '7%d as the total of his worldly monetary possessions. Was it to be. wondered at that he was dispirited and disheartened by the buffetings of the wayes of Fate ? So he went to the police station and asked to be taken in custody. And that was how he appeared at the Police, Court on Monday. What to do with him was the problem. He wa.s not a criminal. To release him meant a continuation of the struggle, and possibly the temptation to commit a crime “against property.” So finally the. presiding justice sentenced him to be detained for seven days in the Morrinsville police cells. “At least you will b.e sure of your meals there.” remarked the justice. In the meantime ff the police hear of any work for him he will be released. If nothing eventuates at the end of the week the position will be again considered. Has anyone, a job tor him ?—Morrinsville Star.