MASQUERADING.

Auckland Star, Volume XX, Issue 101, 30 April 1889, Page 8

MASQUERADING.

A FEMALE PETTY OFFICER

Auout 9 o'clock last night Constable Cotter was on duty on the Victoria Wharf, Dovonport, when he noticed what appeared to be a petty officer belonging to H.M.S. Dare. A. closer inspection showed a good - looking face nnder the sailor's cap. Cotter then recognised the wearer of H.M.s. uniform as a girl named Martha McManus.He ab once took her into arrest, and she re mained in;the petty officer's uniform until this morning, when she was allowed to put on garments more suited to her sex. Martha McManus appeared iv due course at the rolice Court to-day, before Dr. Giles, R.M., when she was charged with having no visible lawful means ,of support, to which she pleaded guilty. Constable Cotter was called and deposed that he arrested .the prisoner about 9 o'clock last night on the Victoria Wharf, Devonport.. She was dressed in a man-of-war sailor's uniform. She was in company with another low woman named Theresa Kennedy. Detective Herbert stated that the prisoner was only out of goal 10 days or a fortnight after serving a sentence of three months for using obscene language. There were nine previous convictions recorded against her. His Worship, after some consideration, decided to give the girl another chance as be did not wish to convict her as a rogue and vagabond for such an offence.