LOVE IS SUPREME.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3719, 19 November 1927, Page 4

LOVE IS SUPREME.

WHITE GIRL’S ASSERTION. ASSOCIATION WITH FILIPINOS. EAST MEETS WEST. “Love is the only thing that matters in this world.” —With this profound assertion, Ethel Elizabeth Crockett, 19 years of age, strove to justify her friendship with a Filipino, a sailor off the American steamer West Nivaria, now at Wanganui, in the Magistrate’s Court at Wanganui on Tuesday. The girl, still exhibiting definite signs of youthful vigour, appeared on charges of being idle and disorderly and without having lawful means of support.

Defendant was described as a clerk and a saleswoman formerly employed in Wellington and Palmerston North. POSSESSED ONE SHILLING.

It was from the latter town, said Detective J. Wa'lslf that she arrived in this city several days ago. “She was practically without means,” said the Detective, “and states herself that she had only one shilling.” The girl had come to this city to await the arrival of the freighter Wlest Nivaria, and since its arrival she had been around the wharves constantly, and had been in the company of members of the crew.

“On Tuesday night,” said Detective Walsh, “she was in the company of two Filipinos in the city. In an interview she said 1 her people resided in Wellington.” The girl had been in various places —in Levin, Otaki and Palmerston North. At Otaki it was stated that she had been associated with Maoris. VARIETY.

'Changing methods have characterised her movements in Wanganui, apparently, for on Tuesday night, according to Detective Walsh, she was at a Castleeliff boarding-house with money from one of her Filipino friends. The girl strongly resented the charges and a plea of not guilty was entered. Speaking on her position she declared that the manager of the firm in the employ of which she was in Wellington and Palmerston North, did not like advancing her money in the latter town because, as she said, he knew she liked spending money on other people. “I don’t like seeing other people going without,” she declared. “My parents do not approve of my friendship with this Filipino,” she added. Then with renewed hope: “I can wait till I’m 21. Love is the only thing that matters in this world.”

‘According to the girl, her coloured friend was the son of a prominent man in the Philippines and had received university instruction in New York. MET AT A DANCE.

“I met him at a dance and his thoughts were superior to those of many New Zealand boys,” she declared. Detective Walsh: She was in the company of two European members of the crew this morning, and oiie of them was drunk.

Defendant: If I’m over 18,1 can be independant of my parents. I’m living respectably. Mi\ Barton: It all depends upon what is a respectable life. For a white girl to take up with a Filipino is against our traditions. Defendant: You shouldn’t look down upon him because lie’s dark. Mr. Barton: Have you any friends? Defendant: I have, but their houses are full. Mr. Barton reminded defendant that he did not want to send her to gaol. Detective Walsh: This girl was asking to-day if she would go to her parents but she replied that she would rather spend twelve months in the Borstal. “Can you stop me from going with him?” asked defendant, referring to her friend from the Philippines. Mr. Barton: I think I can. Defendant: Why can .you? Mr. Barton: You’ll find out. It is one of the functions of the police to prevent white girls from picking up with Asiatics on steamers visiting New Zealand:. Mr. Barton then ordered a remand until Friday, and the defendant in the meanwhile is to receive medical attention. “I have to stay in this hole until Friday,” protested defendant as she left the Court. —Chronicle.