"CRAYFISH AND BREAD"

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 102, 2 May 1930, Page 3

"CRAYFISH AND BREAD"

ITALIAN'S STAPLE DIET

Two Italians were parties in a defended judgment summons in the Magistrate's Court yesterday, and although one did nof appear the other (the judgment debtor) provided quite a little amusement. At the outset Mr. J. L. Macduff, counsel for the judgtnent creditor considered the judgment debtor did not need the services of an interpreter. '.■■■-, ■ ■: ■ r .■ Mr. T. B. M'Neil, S.M:: "Do you understand English very; well?" "If I understood English I would not be here now," replied the defendant. It was decided to continue without-an interpreter. ■ ' ■'■■:'■ : The defendant said that he was getting £4 10s a week. , • Mr. Macduff: "Are you single?"—" Yes, I can't afford a wife." ,: "Have you been to the races since the judgment?"—" Once; I went to have a look at them." ' , In answer to further Questions the defendant, denied that he gambled. -He used to a long* time ago.' He sent £3 a week home to his people in Italy. "What.do you pay fop board?" asked Mr. Maeduff. "I can't afford a house," replied the defendant. "I live in a room. I live on crayfish and bread." The Magistrate (looking surprised): "Crayfish and bread?" The defendant: "Yes, crayfish and bread." : '■: ■ "You had better send a little less, to Italy in the meantime," Mr. M'Neil. told the defendant, when intimating that .he intended to make an order in favour of judgment creditor.. "Your creditors in New Zealand must be paid, you know." An order that the defendant is to pay off the debt of £38 19s at the rate of 10s a week was made. . ■