HIS HONOR AND THE WIDOW.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2511, 7 April 1881, Page 4

HIS HONOR AND THE WIDOW.

During the trial, at the Christchurch Criminal Sessions on Tuesday, of a man named Daniel Philips, who pleaded guilty to illegally pawning a gold chain, an amusing colloquy took place between the prosecutrix, Marah Roberts, and His Honor Judge Johnston. The prosecutrix gave the prisoner an excellent character, and detailed the circumstances connected with the matter. The witness said the prosecution was instituted without her consent. His Honor asked the witness whether she was a widow, which she denied. After a while, however, the witness made use of the terra applied to herself of “ widow lady.” On this His Honor reminded the witness that she had denied the soft impeachment of “ widowhood.” The witness replied that she had so often been called “ a grass widow ” that she had got into the habit of regarding herself as such. His Honor enquired the definition of the term, and the witness replied that she was unaware of it, but believed it to be “ one of your New Zealand terms.” His Honor said he thought it came from India. Hereupon the witness, mistaking the remark and applying it to the place of her birth, said—“ No, your Honor, I was born in Finsbury squaredieting roars of laughter. His Honor explained the mistake, and the witness capped it by exclaiming in an irresistibly comic tone, “ Your Honor is very funny this morning,” evoking another burst of laughter. Ultimately His Honor, addressing Mr Duncan, said that he did not consider this a case for severe punishment, considering that the prosecutrix had stated that she did not regard the prisoner in the light of a servant. Mr Duncan agreed with His Honor. His Honor, after remarking upon the extreme foolishness of the prisoner, sentenced him to be imprisoned for one day.