RETURNED SOLDIER’S LAPSE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 2473, 29 August 1922, Page 1

RETURNED SOLDIER’S LAPSE.

PITIFUL CASE IN SYDNEY. MAN WHO TRIED TO KEEP STRAIGHT. In the Police Court to day a returned soldier was charged with stealing three blankets, valued at £1 17s 6d, the property of the trustees of the Returned Soldiers' < liib. fie pleaded guilty. The police evidence was that defendant had stolen the blankets from the club. He was down and out, and was terribly cold. He had served four and a-half years with the Australian aniiy abroad, and had an excellent record. On his return ho was engaged at the Victoria Barracks, but lost his position when the stall was reduced. His search for work, like that of too ninny others, had been unsuccessful, and be had pawned so much of his clothes that in conn he had nothing on but an old pair of boots, trousers, shirt, and overcoat. CASE FOR Y.M.C.A. In answer to the magistrate, Mr Adrian, defendant said that, he did not go to the shelter at the Girls’ High School, because he found too many of the criminal class there, and he wanted to keep himself straight. Police Prosecutor Sergeant Dennis said that defendant had a splendid record, and the case was a. pitiful one. He suggested communicating with the Y.M.C.A. The magistrate accepted the suggestion, and tlie court waited whilst the Y.M.C.A. was communicated with. The defendant stood erect, eyes front, and with the steadiness of parade—except that now and again he shivered and bit his lips as if in pain. Later on Mr McKen/.ie, of the Y.M.C.A., attended the court Mr Adrian: This is a rather painful case, and it. me there is no doubt that defendant acted lrom pure necessity. 1 trust dial something will be done for this unfortunate man. lie has tried to go straight, hut has been driven by dire necessity to steal these blankets and pawn thorn. A sentence of 24 hours’ imprisonment will he passed, hut this will he suspended on defendant entering into a recognisance of £lO to he of goo I behaviour. Defendant (in a low voice): 1 thank you very much. Air McKenzie said that he felt that the case was one in which the Y.M.C.A. should .help. They were willing to take the man and see what could be done. Mr Adrian: The first thing, I think, is that he should have some clothes—he is practically naked. Air McKenzie: We will do our best for hint. Defendant then left the court with the YhM.C.A. representative, murmiirifig his thanks and hardly able to hide the tears in his eyes.