AN AMUSING COMPLAINT.

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume XXI, Issue 3268, 22 May 1895, Page 4

AN AMUSING COMPLAINT.

(Tasmaxian Mail). Magistrates, officials an 1 spectator W^re convulsed a few mornings ago. when a very aged man named Johi. Egau sued Elizabeth Moss at th-r Fiemington Court for 10s wages and los for fowls, which the defendant yras said to have retained. The old man , appeared in Court respectably clad and took his seat at the barrister's table. He had a lemonade bottle containing some fluid sticking prominently out oi his pocket, and eveiy now and then lie would take a draught from the bottle. When hi 3 case was called, he entered the witness box, and after being sworn to the amusement of all in court and the astonishment of the Bench, raised the bottle to his lips and took a long pull at the already much fliminished contents. He then explained that having answered an advertisement in the Age for a * handy man,' he was engaged by the defendant at 2s 6d per week. After being there a couple of weeks— a pause and a drink — he found the place didn't * Bhuit,' and he wanted his wages (laughter). The defendant said the old * gentleman ' was given a home as an ' act of charity.' He had told her he had £2000 in the bank— (Plaintiff : ' What's this got to do with the case?')— and all he would do was to sit down in the yard and sing. (Loud laughter, which was intensified when the complainant, after having another * pull,' joined in.) He had been asked to milk the cow, ' and after anchoring the animal's hind leg with a log of wood and a lot of old harness, the cow kicked him over.' (Eoars of laughter, during whioh plaintiff again resorted to the bottle.) He then got up and poked his finger in the animal's eye. (Renewed laughter). After that ho wanted to bring witness a cup of tea when she waa in bed, but she wouldn't let him, ' as he was a wicked old man.' (Gfreat laughter, in whioh the magietratea heartily joined,) The complainant shook his fist at the soft impeachment. He was again con* Burning some of the contents of the bottle, when Sergeant O'Meara pounced on it and put it away. The Bench made an order for the amount claimed, and getting his bottle restored to him, the veteran, who began his life when George IV. was king, hobbled out of oourt victorious.