2d. Ruined a Rendezvous

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 23, 28 January 1937, Page 9

2d. Ruined a Rendezvous

IT LED TO HOSPITAL AND ACTION IN HIGH COURT

An alleged attack by a chair ticket collector who was said to have interrupted a conversation between a married man and a married woman friend on Streatham Common (England) was the subject of a claim for damages in the King's Bench Division. Mr William Edgar Davies, of Foulser road, Battersea, sued M. W. Shanley (Park-Chairs No. I), Ltd., by whom tho ticket collector, William Ernest Beale, of Garrett lane, Tooting, was employed. Mr Groom-Johnson, K.C. (for Mr Davies) said he was married and was living with his wife. Mr Davies met a- woman friend by appointment and they sat on adjoining chairs. The ticket-collector appeared and Mr Davies said he had a ticket.

Beale apparently lost his temper and hit Mr Davies over the head with his ticket-machine, causing serious injuries. Beale was subsequently sentenced to four months' imprisonment. Mr Eric Neve (for the defence) asked Mr Davies: Were you and the vtfoinan friend sitting very close together?—We were sitting in adjoining chairs. You were not pleased that he should come up and spoil your tete-a-tete? —1 didn't object. Did you not have to take your frieud's legs from your lap and her hand from your arm before you got up? —Oh, no. Mrs Lily Hawke well, who said she lived with her husband in Lamberhust road, West Norwood, denied that she said: "Don’t be a fool Edgar, sit down." Mr Neve submitted that the company could not be held liable. Lord Hewart said he regarded the case of some public importance and he would consider his judgment.