TOLD THE MAGISTRATE

Hokitika Guardian, 6 August 1926, Page 1

TOLD THE MAGISTRATE

Everybody was sorry for the old landlady who could not read. Nearly two years ago her tenant, a married woman, left her room but allowed her 20-years-old son to remain in charge, and she “ sent the rent when ' sllie thought she would.” She had not thought since before Christmas, and the landlady served a notice to quit on the son, only to find llie was not the tenant. Although she could not read, she could talk to some purpose, and there were few things she left unsaid to the mother, who flew before the lash of the old woman’s tongue. Both Mr Doumett and the warrant officer made only a half-hearted attempt to the old woman’s eloquence: it was too good to' miss. George, who had been celebrating Bank Holiday, admitted having two glasses of port wine. “Very strong port,” suggested the magistrate. “And two glasses of beer,” confessed George. “Mixed?” Inquired Mr Drummett. | < “ No, first the port, then the beer,” said George. “Then you lost count,” remarked Mr Dummett as he made it ss. Kelly was allowed out of St. Pan eras Workhouse to enjoy Bank Holiday, andj taking the air in Camden Town he met friends of other days. “Sir.” he said fervently to the magistrate, “it was the first whisky I had tasted for two years, and (mournfully) it may he two years before I taste it again.” He was returned to the workhouse to await another Bank Holiday.