MEANING OF A KISS

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20738, 23 February 1939, Page 6

MEANING OF A KISS

BROKEN ENGAGEMENT DAMAGES CLAIM FAILS (By Telegraph.—Press Association) WELLINGTON, Wednesday A verdict for defendant was returned by the jury in the Supreme Court in Wellington this afternoon in the claim by Dorothy Ailsa May Stewart, of Wellington, against Robert Frederick Meadows, company manager, of Wellington, for £SOO damages for alleged bre-aeh of promise to marry. The jury was in retirement for 55 minutes. The case, which occupied two days, was heard before Mr Justice Blair and a jury of four. Mr J. H. Dunn appeared for plaintiff, and Mr p. C. Mazengarb for defendant. Defendant was cross-examined today about when he met plaintiff after the date on which he alleged the engagement was mutually terminated, it was possible, he said. that, they kissed good-night, when they met while stayins at Paraparaumu during Christmas, 1935, and New Year, 1936. but it certainly was not a kiss on affectionate terms. “Since August, 1935," he said, “I have not done anything but kissed —” Significance of Kisses Mr Dunn: In a brotherly manner? Defendant: For old times’ sake. Mr Dunn: I suppose on the beach at mid-night, that would be appropriate? Defendant: Yes. Christmas time on the beach. Summing up, His Honour said the point for decision was very narrow. The whole question was whether the engagement was mutually terminated fondant's admission that he kissed plaintiff after he considered their engagement terminated. His Honour said aide to" decide the modern meaning 1 of a kiss. At one time if ;l man danced 1 more than mice with a girl, people beP ;: n to I,'ilk about il. Now one could dance with the same gir; evwv night in the week without any conclusion being drawn. Possibly similar changes had occurred in the exchanging of kisses. He did not know what significance there was in a kiss now and could not of much help to the jury on thatpoint.