THE COOK'S CRINOLINE AND THE TROUBLE IT BROUGHT HER TO!

Southland Times, Volume 2, Issue 86, 1 September 1863, Page 6 (Supplement)

THE COOK'S CRINOLINE AND THE TROUBLE IT BROUGHT HER TO!

At the Southwark police-court, in London, Helen WoolcTsley, a decent looking;, middle-aged female, was placed' at the bar, charged with being drunk and falling off the platform o^ the Green- , wich Railway Station, at London-bridge, thereby endangering, her life : — One of the ticket collectors said 'that oh the arrival of the 9 o'clock train from Greenwich, on the previous night, and after the passengers had all got out, he saw the prisoner leave one of the carriages and stagger about from one side of the platform to the other, and before he had an opportunity of reaching her she walked right off the platform, and fell across the metais just as a train was about to leave the other side. He fortunately caught hold of her and pulled her on the platform just in time to save her life. She was very much frightened, but perceiving she was very much under the influence of liquor he handed her over to one of their constables, who took her into custody. The Magistrate (to the prisoner.) What have you got to say in answer to the charge ? — Prisoner : 4111 I have got to say sir, I was not drunk. The Magistrate : But the constable saw you stagger about, and you fell off the platform. Besides, he swears you Were under the influence of liquor. How came you to fall off the platform. Prisoner : Oh, sir, I hardly like to tell you. I wear a crinoline, and coming up in the train it got disarranged, and when I got on the platform unfortunately my toe got entangled in the steel, and I fell off the platform. The Magistrate : Have you »ot that crinoline on now ? Prisoner: Yes; but as soon as I get home I'll take it off, and never wear it again. (Laughter.) The Magistrate : What are you ? Defendant: I am a cook, and had been at Greenwich to see an old fellowservant. If you'll let me go this time I'll never wear a crinoline again, sir. (Renewed laughter.) The Magistrate : Well you may go about your business now, and I trust for the future jou will discontinue crinoline as well as drinking. You hav^ had a narrow escape with your life, and ought to be thankful to the officer for saving you. The prisoner expressed her gratitude, and qui'c-kly tripped out of court holding up her crinoline.