“NASTY PEOPLE”

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 32, 1 November 1929, Page 12

“NASTY PEOPLE”

REPORTERS CRITICISED TYPISTE AND HER TRAM FARE Much amusement was caused in tb? Magistrate’s Court yesterday afternoon during the hearing of a by-law case ter the frank manner in which a ahorthanatypiste argued with the Bench. The defendant was Miss G. Lananze, and sh« was fined 10s. for refusing to pay her tram fare on demand. The strange thing about the case was that although her name was called, and she was sitting in Court hearing herself being “talked about,” the defendant, after she had been fined 10s., went up to the assistant city solicitor (Mr. J. Luckie)' and asked him what was going to be done about the bit of paper (a summons) she had in her hand. On being told that she had been fined, she wanted the ease reheard. “Your name was called out,” said Mr. Lockie, “and you could not have been here!” The assistant city solicitor had previously told the Court that the defendant had given the Tramway Department quite a lot of trouble by refusing to pay her tram fare. “She seems to think that she should not be charged for riding in the tram,” said Mr. Luckie, “for we have had several complaints about the way in which she leaves a car without paying.” The Magistrate (Mr. T. E. Maunsell, S.M.), on having the charge proved, fined defendant 10s., court costs, and witness* expenses. It was quite an hour latevj when she wished the case to be reheard. Didn’t Hear Her Name Called. “Your name was called,” said tbe Magistrate. “Where were you then?”— “I have been sitting in the Court all the while.” Where abouts were you sitting?—“Oh, on a chair.” (Laughter.) The Magistrate: Well I am afraid I cannot reopen your case. You see you were sitting in the Court and you should have heard your name called. “Well, I didn’t,” rejoined the defendant. Defendant then mumbled something about her fine. “Anyway,” she said, “I cannot pay it, I only have Is. a week to live on.” Mr. Maunsell (in surprise) : What? Witness: Oh, nothing. Mr. Luckie: Well that’s even less than a shilling. (Laughter.) Then Ructions Started. The assistant city solicitor said he did not object to the case being reheard, but it meant that the conductor would have to be recalled. A number of charges of evading payment of her fare could have been preferred by the council, but defendant was being let off lightly. “On the day in question,” said defendant, “I asked the conductor to let me out at a certain place, and he later came around and wanted extra money for the fare. While we were talking, an inspector got on, and then rnctione started.” (Laughter.) Defendant said she was out of work? whereupon the Magistrate said he would be willing to allow her time to pay. _ “How long do you want?” he kindly inquired, also saying that he did not propose to rehear the case. Defendant: Well, if my, name goes m the paper it will take me at. least three months to get a position. Will you keep my name out of the papers? • The Magistrate: No, I cannot do that. You had better ask the reporters. Defendant (scornfully) : Hm! The reporters; those nasty people. (Laughter, in which the Bench joined heartily.) The Magistrate: I will give you a month to pay thp fine. Defendant: Oh, thank you. I wasted my whole bally afternoon hunting for you. Good-bye.