LIVING ON “BREAD-LINE”

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 424, 4 August 1928, Page 1

LIVING ON “BREAD-LINE”

FALSE PRETENCES ADMITTED CANVASSER SENTENCED The fact that Algernon James Body, an insurance canvasser, who had pleaded guilty to obtaining money by false pretences, had formerly borne an unblemished character, stood, him in good stead when he appeared in the Supreme Court this morning for sentence. In asking that the prisoner be granted probation, Mr. J. F. W. Dickson said that his client was 57 years of age and never before been in trouble. He had been employed by insurance companies for a number of years as a canvasser, and his services were dispensed with. He then went about the island signing up people for policies in the name of a certain company. The amount involved was £22 11s‘3d. Mr. Justice Blair said that in view of the probation officer’s recommendation, he would admit prisoner to probation. He would be placed on probation for two years, on condition that he repaid the money. The Court also proposed to order Body to pay the cost of the prosecution. Mr. Dickson pointed out that the prisoner was living on “bread-line,” and on the probation officer's suggestion his Honour did not enforce the condition.