AN UNKIND FATE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 221, 23 October 1909, Page 6

AN UNKIND FATE.

TEMPTED BY THOMPSON. Justices' justice was meted out' in short order, yesterday morning by Mr. 11. F. Russell, J.P., to James Thompson, a man with a lengthy and varied "record," who answered anything but jauntily to charges of dnu'kcimcs and wilful trespass.' Thompson is one of those unfortunates who are hardly era free from the direct consequences Jt their misdeeds. During the past thirteen years lie lias been sentenced to terms of imprisonment aggregating! fourteen years, but generally getting | out before the date of expiry of each sentence lor good conduct, ilis record earned for liim the distinction .of being a habitual criminal, and lie was given a "Kathleen Mavoiiniecn'' sentencemaybe for years and maybe foy ever. On Thursday morning he was let out on probation. Unfortunately for him. he starred out to drink, and,'his .system being quite unused to alcohol, he w:..soon under its influeucc. lie got a friendly hint from the local police during the day, but profited noiliing from that. At night, be went visiting, bin strolled into, the wrong house, and upon being denied admission he protested much. It win.-distinctly nniorlmnitc for him that the house was near the police station, for soon lie was escorted to the station under arrest. When brought before the court yesterday he.pleaded for leniency, and promised to go away from New Plymouth, taking out a pro--hibilion order against himself. " Do'you think a prohibition order would do you any good';" queried .Mr. Russell. The prisoner looked hopeful. " Yes, sir,'' he said. The Bench chose to be facetious, Mr. Russell answering that the arena nil would be convicted and discharged o'l the charge of drunkenness, and sentenced to three months' gaol 'with hard labor on the charge of trespass. The prisoner had some very uncomplimentary things to say about the Bench on leaving the , Court, and left lamenting the fact that he had "done in Christmas."