FINED £2

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 52, Issue 3298, 9 August 1943, Page 5

FINED £2

OBSCENE LANGUAGE USED INCIDENT AFTER DANCE HIKUTAIA YOUTH ARRESTED For using obscene language in a public place Harold Oscar Cheeseman aged 18 years, farmhand of Hikutaia, appeared in the Paeroa Police Court this morning and was fined £2. Messrs H. Hare and G. P. Lambs, J’s.P., presided. Cheeseman pleaded guilty. Constable J. L. Brown stated that on Saturday night at about 12.15 a.m. he had been on duty in Wharf street, Paeroa, while the patrons from the dance, including women, were dispersing. Accused with other young men had walked across the street singing out in loud voices. The party had separated near the Royal Mail Hotel and when nearly half the width of the street apart Cheeseman had called out to his friend, using the words in the charge.

■ Far too much bad language was being used by young people in particular at present, added Constable Brown, pointing out that it was not always easy to prove who had used the language when a number of young men were standing in a group. Constable Brown pointed out that the offence was a serious one, the maximum penalty 'being 12 months’ imprisonment or a fine of £2O. He did not ask for the maximum penalty in this case as it was the first time accused had been before the court. Cheeseman had been arrested on Saturday night and not bailed until Sunday.

In imposing a fine of £2 the bench issued a warning that if further cases came before the court the penalties would be more severe.