AN HABITUAL CRIMINAL.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 9189, 8 September 1908, Page 6

AN HABITUAL CRIMINAL.

A CURIOUS CASE,

BY TELEGRAPH—PRESS ASSOCIATION. NEW PLYMOUTH. September 7. Archibald McNeil, who was the first prisoner to be confined in the habitual criminals' wing of the local gaol, was there by himself for about eight months, no other offender being sent to the wing during that time. Solitary confinement so preyed upon his mind that he implored the gaolers to be allowed out in accordance with the provisions of the Habitual Criminals' Act. He was then sent to a farm at Bell Block, where he was very kindly treated. He was on probation, having to report himself to the police once a month. Had he remained on the farm for two years he would have been set completely at liberty, but the criminal instincts in him awoke again and he "cleared out." Since doing so he is alleged to have committed further offences, and is now liable to arrest. The case seems to be simply one of mistaken kindness. The local gaoler (Mr Millington) told a "Herald" representative, to-day, how the order for McNeil's release had been obtained. Tbe prisoner petitioned the Governor for some respite from his harsh confinement. The petition was referred to Judge Cooper, who visited the gaol and inquired into the case. Then the matter ">as referred to the Con • sulative Committee, consisting of the local magistrate and the visiting justices. This Committee sent to the Governor a recommendation, and in accordance with this McNeil was released on probation for two years. The duty then fell on Mr Millington of finding work for the man, and he got him a billet on a Bell Block farm. The prisoA authorities had no power to arrest McNeil after his escape until one month should have expired for he was only required to report himself once a month. The month would have expired next Friday, but in the meanwhile a warrant has been issued for the man's arrest on other charges.