This story may not be paranormal - but it is strange and weird and very sad.
This is just one case where going to Gaol was a good thing and probably something that allowed this person to have a decent clean up.
Singleton Argus (NSW : 1880 - 1954), Saturday 28 July 1928
MAITLAND'S HAIRY MAN
SENT TO GAOL FOR CLEAN-UP
For many years a 'wild, hairy man' has been frequenting the scrub and the outlying parts of East Maitland.
Following many complaints that women had been terrorised, the police have arrested the man, and he was brought before the court on Thursday on a charge of vagrancy.
His name was given as William Cook, and his age 58.
The police said that during the day Cook was in the habit of roaming through the bush and foraging among rubbish tips for scraps.
His hair had not been cut for eight years, they said, and his body and clothes were filthy, and in this state he begged from women living on the outskirts of the town.
The women, they said, were frightened of him.
Once Cook appeared in public—during the "Back to Maitland Week"— and created, a stir, with his long hair and unkempt appearance.
It is stated that ever since the" very mention of him has been sufficient to silence tho most troublesome child."
His home was described by the police as like a rabbit burrow, into which Cook had to crawl on hands and knees.
It was made of old chaff bags, and his bed comprised dirty bags and rags.
One of his specialities was cigarette butts, and of recent years,he had been frequently hoard to complain that the day of big ones had passed.
But the three days in Maitland Gaol awaiting Court proceedings had made a big difference in Cook's appearance. The barber had left his mark. His hair had been cropped short and his beard similarly treated, exposing a kindly face and a broad grin revealing a sense of humor.
"1 have done nothing against tho law to be brought here,"he said in a voice which intimated that at some time his position in life had boon very, different.
He refused to go to an institution, and preferred tho alternative of a month's hard labour in Maitland Gaol.
"It will do him good," said Sergeant Wood. "It will give him time to be cleaned up."
Cook was warned by Mr D. W. Reed, P.M., that when he came out of Gaol he would have to live a cleaner and more decent life.
He left the court smiling.
Following many complaints that women had been terrorised, the police have arrested the man, and he was brought before the court on Thursday on a charge of vagrancy.
His name was given as William Cook, and his age 58.
The police said that during the day Cook was in the habit of roaming through the bush and foraging among rubbish tips for scraps.
His hair had not been cut for eight years, they said, and his body and clothes were filthy, and in this state he begged from women living on the outskirts of the town.
The women, they said, were frightened of him.
Once Cook appeared in public—during the "Back to Maitland Week"— and created, a stir, with his long hair and unkempt appearance.
It is stated that ever since the" very mention of him has been sufficient to silence tho most troublesome child."
His home was described by the police as like a rabbit burrow, into which Cook had to crawl on hands and knees.
It was made of old chaff bags, and his bed comprised dirty bags and rags.
One of his specialities was cigarette butts, and of recent years,he had been frequently hoard to complain that the day of big ones had passed.
But the three days in Maitland Gaol awaiting Court proceedings had made a big difference in Cook's appearance. The barber had left his mark. His hair had been cropped short and his beard similarly treated, exposing a kindly face and a broad grin revealing a sense of humor.
"1 have done nothing against tho law to be brought here,"he said in a voice which intimated that at some time his position in life had boon very, different.
He refused to go to an institution, and preferred tho alternative of a month's hard labour in Maitland Gaol.
"It will do him good," said Sergeant Wood. "It will give him time to be cleaned up."
Cook was warned by Mr D. W. Reed, P.M., that when he came out of Gaol he would have to live a cleaner and more decent life.
He left the court smiling.
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