“FLITTED” FROM HOTEL

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 462, 18 September 1928, Page 1

“FLITTED” FROM HOTEL

MAN WHO USED FIRE ESCAPE SAVED BY TELEGRAM Allen William Wishart, who “flitted” from a city hotel recently leaving his board unpaid and his bedding in flames* appeared at the Police Court this morning. Wishart, a blacksmith, aged 37, Pleaded not guilty to being idle and disorderly and having insufficient Visible means of support. Sergeant Burnett, who arrested Wishart in the bar of another hotel yesterday, said that accused had first denied that he had anything to do With the fire at the other hotel, and gave a false name, though he later admitted that he had left without paylag his board, but knew nothing of tbe fire. “For the last two nights he has been staying at a boardinghouse la Vincent Street” said the sergeant. 'He gave the name of Leithart, and has paid no board there either.” For accused, Mr. Bryce Hart mentioned a telegram signed “Coates,” offering Wishart work on railway operations in the country. “Wishart, vvho is a returned soldier with an excellent record, went to Wellington to Interview the Prime Minister lately. &ad was promised work.” continued counsel. He was badly smashed up In an accident at Hora Hora early in the year, and has had a long spell in hospital. He knows nothing of the fl re at the hotel, though he may have left a lighted cigarette butt in the Poom. “I would suggest that you convict “hn and order him to come up for ■entence at some future date,” said Oounsel. This view was also held by Mr. F. Hunt, S.M., who said that he _dia n °t want to imprison a man with work T ° go to. Wishart was ordered to 1; ome up for sentence within six Igonths, and to make restitution of It tbe betel license** *-