TEN DAYS IN TOWN

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 754, 29 August 1929, Page 1

TEN DAYS IN TOWN

HOLIDAY-MAKER ARRESTED FOR VAGRANCY CASE DISMISSED After finishing work at Kaukapakapa, John Henry Peach came to town. He had been ten days looking for work when he was arrested on a charge of vagrancy and appeared at the Police Court this morning. SMYTH appeared for Peach, a labourer aged 29, and pleaded not guilty on a charge of being idle and disorderly, having insufficient means of support. Acting-Detective Packman said that Peach had been hanging about hotels and the lower end of Queen Street for about ten days. He was with undesirables and, as far as witness knew, had insufficient means. Witness had heard that the man had been seen opening the door of a motor-car in Victoria Street and taking something out. The owner of the car reported to the detective office that he had lost an overcoat, but Peach denied taking it. “I have further inquiries to make about that,” added witness Corroborative evidence was given by Actign -Detective Cragie. Mr. Smyth was of the opinion that there was no case to answer. “Surely if a man loses his job and comes into town to look for another there is not enough evidence in that to secure a conviction on a charge of idle and disorderly?” asked counsel. Counsel said that accused was owed £8• by the Public Works Department and had £ 3 of his own. Peach, put in the box, confirmed his counsel’s statements. He admitted to Detective-Sergeant Kelly that he had several previous convictions in Australia and was at present on probation. The Detective-Sergeant: Can you get back into the country? Accused: Yes, on Friday. The Detective-Sergeant: That is where I should like to see you. The case was dismissed.