IN FEMALE GARB.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 3779, 14 April 1928, Page 3

IN FEMALE GARB.

f MAORI YOUTH’S DECEPTION. \ How a Maori youth dressed in female garb and imposed on other Maoris was told in the Wellington Magistrate’s Court yesterday, when George Grace, a labourer, aged 19, pleaded guilty to being a rogue and vagabond in that he had insufficient lawful means of support and had a previous conviction as an idle and disorderly person. He also admitted stealing a dress, a signet ring, and 10/-, to a total value of £4 10/-, and a dress, valued at £1 10/-. Both offences were committed at Tangoio. “Your Wlorship will notice that the charges of theft refer to ladies’ clothing,” said Sub-Inspector Lander. “Apparently he is of an effeminate nature and has been wearing the apparel. In fact, he was wearing one of the dresses when he was arrested.” Grace had been imprisoned in Napier for three months for being idle and disorderly, and had also served a-two months’ sentence for theft. Mr W. G. Riddell, S.M.: “Do yon think he is mentally sound?” The Sub-Inspector: “He is not sufficiently defective to have a medical examination. He is certainly effeminate, but lie was able to impose on these different Natives and live with them. As soon as they became suspicious of him, he got a-

way to another place. He has been doing this for some months past.” Mr Riddell: “I think I shall certainly have him examined by a medical man before passing sentence on him.” The defendant was remanded until Monday, pending medical examination.