UNWELCOME SMILE

Hokitika Guardian, 5 September 1931, Page 7

UNWELCOME SMILE

CAUSE OF AMUSING LAWSUIT. A scene in a dressmaker’s shop in New Road Street, London was described at the Westminster County Court, recently, when Madame Hayward, Ltd., sued Mrs N. M. A. Glover for £25 for a two-piece purplebeige tweecl suit. Mrs Gladys Hayward, manageress, said that Mrs Glover was very pleased with the skirt but did not like tile coat. She wanted a different shape. Tile tailor told her that the way slie u anted the coat cut was contrary to the grain of the cloth, whereupon Mrs Glover ordered him out or the room. 1 then called the French fitter, Mademoiselle Elaine,” said Miss Hayward. ‘‘.lt is' usual in our business to greet a customer with a smile. Elaine came into the room smiling. “At that Mrs Glover took offence. ‘Who’s this coming into the room smiling at me?’ she said, and ordered her out too. Then Mrs Glover took the coat and skirt off, threw them on the floor, saying that she had been insulted, and she would not accept the goods. “The tailor,” said Mrs Glover, giving evidence, “never said a word; tie was absolutely morose, and I spoke to him in English and French. 1 ’ Judge Turner: And Scotch and Irish, too ? Mrs Glover: No, but I am Irish. Madame was civil and very nice, but the French fitter came in with a grin on her face. -She was not going to do anybody else’s dirty work, I said, “It’s no use going on like that. You aren’t fitting the dress. I don’t like being laughed at; it’s very rude.” Judge Turner: I have had an opportunity of seeing all the witnesses, including the unfortunate French fitter, whose alleged Cheshire cat grin upset the volatile lady from Ireland. One really cannot rely on the accuracy of people with the mentality that thinks anyone coming in with a smile is insulting them. Mrs Glover lias a high temperament and you have to he careful wliat you say to her. The tailor seems to have been wise in being morose. Judgment was given for plaintiffs for £2l and costs.