MILLER'S PLEA

NZ Truth, Issue 1153, 5 January 1928, Page 7

MILLER'S PLEA

Resents Detective's

Remarks

(From "N.Z. Truth's" Gisborne Rep.)

Perhaps it was during one of his many sojourns as the guest of His Majesty that John Miller heard the words of the well-known hymn, "Go carry your Bible."

PERTAINLY he took the injunction literally and when the Prisons Board decided to allow him out for a little holiday he set forth with no greater asset — and no other companion — than the Bible. Perhaps it vfjis J ust -c nance tnat guided his feet in the direction of Gisborne or it may be that he had learned of the righteousness of the people in that part of the Dominion.

Anyhow, either by good luck or good management he arrived there and soon made himself known as a Seventh Day Adventist.

The police alleged that on the strength of his Bible and his prqfessed adherence to the church he had obtained various sums of money; therefore, they charged him with being idle and disorderly.

Detective McL-eod was not merciful. "This man," he bluntly told the court, "is an habitual criminal. He was released by the Prisons Board in July.

"We would be better, without his company and I suggest that he be given the maximum penalty."

Miller answered to several aliases and although only 29 years of age had earned this unenviable reputation.

fie was not, however, prepared to take the maximum penalty.

"If I fim sentenced to -the maximum penalty I shall appeal," he said, "for it would be on the suggestion of the detective, which,. I submit, is not right in any British court of justice."

Miller repudiated the detective's allegations and asked for a remand. "So that the detective can call evidence to prove what he says."

"Very well," retorted the detective, "I shall ask for a week's remand to allow me to formulate other charges." The remand was granted.