TROUBLESOME HOUSEKEEPERS.

Auckland Star, Volume XX, Issue 148, 24 June 1889, Page 3

TROUBLESOME HOUSEKEEPERS.

Mary Kirtox was charged at the Police Court this morning with having used insulting language towards Alice Ratovvski by making serious charges against her character. Messrs W. Crowther and W. Dinnieon were the presiding Justices. Mr Hugh Shorfcland appeared for the defondant and pleaded not guilty. Alice Ttatowski deposed that three weeks ago she was engaged as housekeeper for Mr Mens at Remuera at a wage of 5s per week. On the 17oh of June the defendant came to the house and accused her of being a low character. Witness was a married woman, and had beon engaged through Hannaford's registry office. She had been deserted by her husband and wanted to earn a living for herself and child. Defendant said she had como there for her clothing. Charles Mens deposed that the defendant ca me to the house to get her clothes. She was in drink and very excited. She used bhe language complained of to Mrs Ratowski, He also heard her say, " You re his Sal Piper. You're no good or you would not live with him." Mrs Kirton went in and sat down. She said "This has been my home for live years and I intend to stay live years longer."

By Mr'shorfcland : He first engaged Mrs Eirbon when she was in great distress. He offered to let her share the house rent free in consequence of her doing work in t!>e house. Hβ had no written agreement. Witness was a married man separated from his wile. He lind paid £320 into Court in support of his children. Mary Kirton was called and deposed that sho was the defendant; in this case. On the 17th June she went to Mr Meus lor her things and her wagoe. She was nob aware that he had a fresh housekeeper. As far as she knew she was Mr Men's only housekeeper. When she went to live with Mr Mena she was to get 5s per week but he had never oaid her.

The Bench dismissed the case. They considered it simply disgraceful that Mr Mens should have allowed the woman to go on in that way in his house and not interfere.

Mr Mens said he had interfered to pre vent them coming to blowe.

The Bench said each must pay their own coses.