SHALL I OR NOT?

Waikato Argus, Volume IV, Issue 264, 26 March 1898, Page 1 (Supplement)

SHALL I OR NOT ?

UM/lUh I VII II V I • Considerable ainiibement was caused before Judge JBacoa at Whitechapel County Court, when Mrs Donegan defended an action brought against her by Mr Truinble for the price of a wringing machine. Defendant—And it is the dirty money they want ? I don’t want the wringer at all at all ; let them take it back and not be after troubling a poor woman. Judge Bacon—But that is not business. Defendant—Business, bedad ! Well, acnr, I think it will be moighty tine business for them.—(Laughter.) How much do they say I owe ? Plaintiff— £2 os 6d. Defendant—lt is £1 more than it is worth. Why did lie not come for the money ? I would not be owing so much uow if he called every Saturday, as he said. Plaintiff—We called many times ; you were away out. Defendant—What are yez after with your interfering ways P Canuot you let a poor ould woman spake to the gentleman ? Plaintiff—She was never home. Defendant—None of yer impudence, young man. I’ve not insulted you, and don’t you me Plaintiff—We object to take it back. Defendant—Object away, darlin’.— (Laughter.) The Usher—Be quiet. Defendant—lsn’t that quiet I am.— (Laughter.) Plaintiff—The wringer would be worn by now. , Defendant—Young man, did you ever have au ould mother ?—(Laughter.) It u not worn. I have not been well enough to work. It is true my ould man might have helped me. Ho is out of work and should help me, but he won’t do it. He’s like the rest of them, and it’s little good they are, always saving your riverence.—(Laughter.) Judge Bacon—Was this a sale or a hiring agreement ? D fendant—A hire. Plaintiff—lt was sold outright. Judge Bacon—You are trying to deceive the court. Here is the agreement ; it is for the hire. Plaintiff—l did not know that. Judge Bacon -You must have known. Defendant—Shure, your Honor, he did. Those Jew fellows Plaintiff—We are not Jews, we are Christians. Defendant—Then it is sorry I am for yez.—(Laughter.) I’ll give up the machine. Judge Eicon—Then you wil> have to pay 14s 6d for arrears of hire and 3s costs. Defendant—Holy saints!—(Laughter) Is it all that money ? Th n if ye please I’ll keep the wringer.—(Laughter.) Judge Bac jd—Then you will have to pay £'2 5? Gd, and 13s costs. Defendant—Bad ce-s to the machine. (Loud laughter.) Whatevcr’s to be done ? 1 had better put up with the first loss, hadn’t I, Laurence (turning to her son), and give it back ? Laurence —Yes, mother. Defendant—And yet—it is a goed machine, and I’ve paid some, and shall have to pay more. I’ll keep it, shall I, Laurence ? Laurence—Yes, mother. -(Laughter.) Defendant—l’d keep it if your Honor lets me pay 3s a month. Judge Bacon—Wc will arrange that when you’ve made up your mini. Defendant —It’s a lot of trouble I have with one son wrong in his head ami my ould man doing nothin!;. I wid give it up. Shall I, Laurence ? Laurence—Yes, mother.—(Loud laughter) Defendant—Arrah, but the money I have pil’d all for nothing. What shall Ido ? If your honour was a poor ould woman lo ke myself with a husband ill and a son an omadhaun, what would you do yourself ?—(Loud laughter ) Judge Baeou—l think you hanker after the machine. Defendant—l like woik. Judge Bacon—You like the wringer ? Defendant-Still It is a lot of money to pay. It’s a jolly shame. Judge Bacon -That’s an inappropriate adjective to put before shame. Defendant—l cannot afford more than 2s a month. Judge Bacon—You said 3s just now. Djfondant—lndeed ; was it 3s I was after sayiu’ ? Your Honor has a good memory anyone can see. —(Laughter). Judge Bacon—Three sinkings a month. Now this is a debt for the machine—not for the hire. Defendant—lt is my very own ? Judge Bacon—lt is your very own. You can pawn it to-morrow if you like. Defendant: It’s not that I would be doing. Come along, Laurence. You should have helped me instead of standing sayln’ nothing. You’re like the men—no use when we want ye.—(Laughter.)