“Miss Snake-in-the-Grass”

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 27, 2 February 1937, Page 2

“Miss Snake-in-the-Grass”

WHY SHOULD A GIRL NOT TJ3MI- - MAN WITH GIFTS? Mr Justice Swift, at Swansea, told counsel in a breach of promise case not to mention the name of “the other woman,’* but to call her ‘‘Miss SnakcL -the-Grass.” “That is good enough for her,’* ho commented. “And we will refer to the man with whom she was friendly a 3 ‘Her Boy Friend. The case was that in which Ncsta Cotty, aged 42, of Column road, Cardiff, said that Rex Lewis, Employment Exchange clerk, had proposed while a boarder at her house. Then, she alleged, he broke it off for a younger woman. She denied to Mr Jenkin Jones (for Lewis) that she was “out to catch the man.” “Oh! Let us assume she was/' put in Mr Justice Swift. “ The question the jury and I have to determine is: ‘Did she catch him?’ Why shouldn’t she?’ ‘‘You know in these days the wrong is not all on one side. If she saw a young man she fancied, why shouldn’t she tempt nun with gifts?’’ Replying to tho judge, Miss Cotty saiu she bought j-.ewis about a dozen silk shirts and silk underwear. Tho judge: I think silk underwear would be very fetching, would it not? Tell me, Mr Jenkin Jones, did a lady ever give you silk underwear? Mr Jones: No, Aly Lord. But I am still living in hope. But if I should receive such a gift, I hope it will not result in my being sued for breach of promise. The judge: But if the gift of silk underwear makes you fall at the lady’s feet and promise marriage then you might find yourself here. Miss Cotty, in further cross-examina-tion, said she had previously brought an action for breach of promise against another man—also named Lewis. That action was settled out of court for £250, an. payment was made by instalments. After more evidence counsel conferred. A settlement was reached, and judgment was entered accordingly.