TEMPERAMENT

NZ Truth, Issue 1145, 10 November 1927, Page 7

TEMPERAMENT

The Woman Behind The Curtain

(From "N.Z. Truth's" Wanganui Rep.) Miss F. M. Clark, who runs a tobacconist and hairdressing business m Wanganui, and, wears an almost perpetual smile, allowed herself to get ruffled the other day when Inspector Cecil P. Smith, who looks after the welfare of those who work m shops, offices and factories, called upon her and requested to; see her wages and time-book. » MISS CLARK apparently does not mind clients who come to buy cigarettes, etc., or. to leave their curly locks on the floor of her saloon, but she has a distinct dislike for inspectors. When Smith told her what he wanted, she immediately demanded to sco his authority. On the document, being produced, she refused to believe him and asked him whether he would get out or would she toss him out. Smith, however, stood his ground and proceeded to make a few notes at the counter. Miss Clark ducked behind a curtain. She evidently kept a watchful eye on Smith, for on returning a few minutes later she wanted to know what he was doing at her counter. She told him that she paid the rent •"or the place and he had better hop ■t quick and lively. Smith was still intent on seeing the wages and time book, so he peeped behind the curtain, where he saw an assistant, Jean Ditchfield. He asked her name, but Miss Clark said to the girl: "Don't tell him.' How do you know he is an inspector?" In drder that Jean would not give any information, she sent her to tlie back of the shop with a pair of shoes. Smith then left and brought along Constable Howes, but the pair got little satisfaction from Miss Clark. Smith, m support of his case against Miss Clark m the- Magistrate's Court, called Jean Ditchfield. who corroborated to Magistrate J. S. Barton all the inspector had to say, and added that Miss Clark had remarked to her: "Keep an eye on him, as I would not put it past him stealing anything!" Lawyer G. F. Treadwell made an appeal for a lenient fine, stating that his client was a very temperamental woman. The magistrate knew this, as hehad experienced previous dealings with Miss Clark. He said he knew she was easily upset. The S.M. fined her a modest £2, plus 10/- costs. ■

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