NUDE PARADER

Hokitika Guardian, 29 July 1932, Page 6

NUDE PARADER

magistrate finds not guilty

HIS COMMENT UPON THE CASE.

(Pei Press :Association - Copyright.)

WELLINGTON, July,29.

Charles Perrin, who appeared recently in Willis St. clad only in a loin cloth and shoes, was declared by Mi 1 Page, S.M., to-day, in his re:e.ved; decision 5 not to have committed an offence. The charge was that of. behaving in a, disorderly manner. Mr Pago held: that, while the- appearance- off a person in a grotesque costume in the public street might cause some excitement, that ,in itself) in absence of other circumstances,’ did not constitute disorderly behaviour. Save for the fact, that be was thus, clad, defendant’s conduct was in* no way riotous or disorderly. His presence on the streets in grotesque garb would no doubt attract some attention, and; might, tend to cause a number of the public to*. follow, him, The same might be said of methods quite, commonly adopted for the purpose of advertising. 'One occasionally sa*w, for exam pi a clown in full dress, parading through the streets to advertise a travelling - cirous, or perhaps. a bevy of* people clad in South Sea Island costume paraded to advertise a visiting picturq. • To com© within the section of the Act (quoted), he.- thought* something more was something in the nature of noisy, quarrelsome, abusive,, or .unruly behaviour, disturbing to the public peace. Nor did Re think that the garb he was westing could be held to be an. Jude'lent one so as to bring, defendant within the provision of the ■ Act relating** to -publicdecency. Boxkts and ’Wrestlers regularly appeared and performed-in public more* scantily clad than was defendant.