A HARDWORKING MAN.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume X, Issue 1160, 27 September 1882, Page 3

A HARDWORKING MAN.

(Ifrom the Hawke's Bay Herald.)

During the hearing of the police charge of vagrancy against Patrick Lynch, the incorrigible, the proceedings iu court were rendered rather lively by the occasional remarks made by the prisoner, his singular crossexamination of the witness, hie attempt at a defence, and his appeals to be let off. Au idea of the whole may be gathered from the following specimens :—“ I’m a hard-working man, •your Worship ; the sergeant knows I am your Honor.” " A vagrant, sir, why I only caine out of gaol on Thursday, and I have a job tn go to. I was going to work this morning, your Worship, I have got a new trowel lo go to work with, sir, and it's paid for : I could show you the receipt, sir." Then to ti e constable, “ Don't you know me as a hard-working man ? Where did you first see me ?" Answer (constable): “In the lock-up.” Pri•oner: “ Yes, but I was let off that time ; that’s some years ago, when Judge Kenny first came ; he let me off the first time, so he did, God bless him." To Captain Preece : “ You are a new Magistrate, your Worship, and I know you'll let me off this time, sir ; do, and I'll never come before your Honor again.” “Don’t send me to gaol thia time; I have ha<l enough of gaol. Why, your Worship, 1 have been in gaol ever since 1 was seven years old. I was on the gall >ws once, so I was; let me off this time, sir ; please do, sir, and you’ll never see my face again.” On receiving his usual sentence, he ejaculated, “ What 1 ga< 1 again 1 another three months' hard labor, and me a hard-working honest man 1” Then sotto voce, looking t< • wards the arresting constable, “ I’il break that constable’s neck as soon as 'I come out; see if I don't, I’ll get a neddy for him." Pat was removed muttering, “ Let him look out for himself. Three mouths again ! I’ll break his ” and Paddy passed the portals of the bail ling en route for his usual abode, Her Majesty's gaol.