A WOMAN IN MAN’S CLOTHES.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume III, Issue 666, 19 June 1882, Page 2

A WOMAN IN MAN’S CLOTHES.

A peculiar case came on for hearing before the Melbourne City Bench recently, A fine looking woman named Etty Kilduf, about 40 years of age, who appeared before the Court attired in full masculine costume, was charged with insulting behaviour in a public place. From her stalwart physique and masculine manner it was difficult at first to realise that she was a woman masquerading in male attire. From the evidence of Constable Connelly it appeared that the prisoner was perambulating in the neighborhood of King street, in the apparel she then wore, about one o’clock in the morning, and on his accosting her she endeavoured to elude his scrutiny, but a certain awkwardness in her manner confirmed the suspicion he had previously entertained that she belonged to the opposite sex, and he accordingly arrested her, and removed her to the watch-house. On being questioned by the Bench she stated that she was the wife of a cabman residing in Collingwood, adding that she had attired herself in masculine costume for the purpose of watching her husband, whom she suspected of conjugal infidelity. She seemed to be keenly sensitive of the delicate position in which her (oolish conduct had placed her, and expressed her sorrow for the silly manner in which she had acted. Mr Hill, the city missionary, corroborated the woman’s statement. The Bench took a lenient view of the escapade, and allowed the woman to go to her home, whither she was removed in a cab.