YOUTH ASKED FOR KISS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 3854, 6 October 1928, Page 2

YOUTH ASKED FOR KISS.

CHRISTCHURCH ICOURT CASE. CHARGED WITH ASSAULT IN HAGLEY PARK. A girl of thirteen, in the Children’s Court at Christchurch on Saturday, told a story of a youth of eighteen having spoken to her in Ilagley Park, put his arm round her neck and asked for a kiss. The youth was charged with assault. “Girls are entitled to go into the parks without being molested by young rascals like you,” Mr. E. D. Mosley, S.M., said. “Yes, sir,” the youth admitted. “You should have some sense of honour,” the Magistrate continued. “I have,” was the reply. To this the Magistrate said: “Well, you haven’t shown it.” Air. Weston, who appeared for the youth, said that his father was much concerned about him. The Magistrate said that the Court’s duty was to give the utmost protection to young girls. The youth’s circumstances demanded that he should know better. It would be different if he was one of the larrikin type. The fact that he was not made the offence more serious. A clergyman, who gave evidence as to the youth’s character, said that it was a common practice in these days for young people to speak to one another without introductions. The Magistrate: .But this was in the park. We must keep some hold of this young fellow. The clergyman said that he would keep in close touch with the youth, would take a special interest in him, and would give him tuition and advice. On this assurance, the youth was discharged.