MAN IN FEMALE ATTIRE.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume 7, Issue 310, 7 October 1915, Page 7

MAN IN FEMALE ATTIRE.

A remarkable ease of v. man masnnerading in female attire was heard at the Gateshead Police ourt, when a young man. Robert Conlthard, appeared in the dock smartly dressed as a wo-

man on a. charge of “being a reputed thief ho did loiter in Gateshead for the purpose of committing a felony.” His brother Fred, also a suspected person, was charged with having loitered for the same purpose. The' “female” prisoner was attired in the latest fashion, with a low-cut blouse, her hair j done up in the latest style, and her 1 hot was a large black one with a long blue veil. The police evidence showed that the pair had been watched, and whilst Robert was known to the police his feminine voice and gait served to deceive the detectives for some considerable time. All his clothing—even the underclothing—was of the feminine type. In the dress was a purse containing £1 9/. Over his arm wore a satchel and a mackintosh, in the pocket of which was a bag containing £IS 1 I’d. all in silver excepting the odd coppers, and in the satchel ther was £1 2/3 in silver and 2/10 in copper. Face powder, a razor, and a bottle of perfume wore also in the satchel. On the wedding finger were a wedding ring and a “keeper.” and on the right hand were throe rings. The blouse was fastened by a brooch, and Robert also carried a pair of ladies’ gloves. He had previously been convicted at West Hartlepool under the name of Jenny More for having kept a disorderly house. At Robert 's house not an article of male attire was discovered by the police. The rooms were exqusnitely furnished, and included a piano. Several letters shewed that he had posed as a woman. One letter was addressed—“ Dear Jennie,” and conchmod with “love and kisses.” When asked to remove Ms Vt H -• •» was a wealth of tresses, and when the jacket was opened a well-developed figure was displayed. His bust was :r."dup of cotton weed' and semi-infwted bdk.ons, Aecrsmi. who spoke in- a subdued voice, which strangely resembled a. woman’s, said lie had worn such clothes from childhood. He vouchsafed no reason for the masquerade. The Reach sent him to prison for three months, and regretted they could not make it three years. The ether prisoner was fined 27/-, which was paid.