"WHAT A KNOCK!’’

Dominion, Volume 20, Issue 60, 4 December 1926, Page 10

"WHAT A KNOCK!’’

HAWKER WHISTLES AT £5 FINE Two men were charged in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday morning with converting to their own use, but not so as to be guilty of theft, a horse express, the property of Edward Henry Aitken. “Do you admit using this cart without permission ?” asked Mr. E. Page, S.M., from Archibald West “Yes, sir,” answered accused. “And what about you?” said the Magistrate to the second accused, Walter Thomas Miles, who was chewing vigorously at a piece of spearmint—“do you admit the charge?” “No, sir!” replied Miles emphatically.

“ ’E knows nothing about it, sir,’ broke in West.

“All right, we’ll see about that,” said Mr. Page. ... Evidence was given that Aitken had missed his cart from November 11 to November 17, and it had later been recovered by the police from West, who was using it for hawking purposes The Magistrate said he did not think there was sufficient evidence to convict Miles, but West had admitted the charge When asked if there were any previous convictions, a formidablelooking list was passed up to the Bench? “Are you a married man? 1 ’ asked Mr. Page. “Yes, sir,” answered West. “He informed .me he was single/’ said the constable who had taken his statement.

“I’m married, sir,” repeated West, “with five children.”

“Are the children young?” asked the Magistrate. “They’re too old for me, sir,” replied West; “I’m telling you the candid truth.”

“You’ll be fined £5 on this charge. “What! £5. ’ Gee-whiz, I’ll have to work hard for that!”

"Am I all right, Your Worship?’ asked Miles. ' '

“Your case is dismissed,” said the Magistrate. “You can go.” And Miles went—still chewing.. vigorously. “Five pounds!” muttered West once more, as he picked up his hat. “Phew!” he whistled, dismally, “what a knock!” And with a mingled look of dazed surprise and injured innocence he followed hiS friend Miles, out of Court.