"THREE MONTHS' HARD.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 9030, 21 February 1908, Page 5

"THREE MONTHS' HARD.

A MAGISTRATE'S DILEMMA,

Mr W. P. James, S.M., had a difficult case to deal with at the Masterton Police Court yesterday morning, when an old man named Eli Barker was charged with drunkenness, and also with being an idle and disorderly person, having insufficient lawful means of support. Accused, who tottered slowly up to the dock, was fairly well-dressed, and was a superior looking man to the ordinary "vag." He pleaded guilty to the charge of drunkenness, and as it was his second offence he was fined 10s in default 48 hours' hard labour.

Sergeant Miller stated, in reference to the charge of vagrancy, that the accused was in an unfortunate position. He had been ad-nitted by the local benevolent trustees to the Renall - Solway Home, but had "kicked over the traces" there somewhat, and through going out and* getting drunk was refused readmittance. However, he was sent to Ohiro Home, and there also his conduct had not been up to the standard of the Home's requirements, and Barker had to go. The man, said the Sergeant, was really ill at the present time, and it appeared to be the best -way out of the difficulty to treat him as a vagrant.

Accused,, in answer to the Magistrate, said he had no money. His Worship said it was a gveat pity that accused should be found in the position he then stood. It was, however, his own fault, as he had been sent to two homes, and in each he had not conformed to the rules of the establishments, and now he had nowhere to turn for assistance and no money. "I don't like sending an old man to gaol," said Mr James, "but in the circumstances I think I will be justified in doing fo. I will sentence you to three months' hard labour—not because you can do hard labour, you will not be required to do it if you cannot—but because you will get better meals." His Worship further remarked that that ,was the longest sentence he could give, and accused would now be cared for, if it was in gaol. The old man walked falteringly back to his seat. He was weak from the effects of drink, but he appeared to feel his position keenly, nevertheless, his countenance looking a picture of despair.