INDECENT LANGUAGE

Evening Post, Volume CXL, Issue 76, 27 September 1945, Page 9

INDECENT LANGUAGE

CHARGE AGAINST WOMAN

Christina Margaret Saville, 60, domestic, of Muritai Road, Eastbourne, appeared before Mr. A. A. McLauchlin, S.M., in the Petone Court yesterday on separate charges of using indecent and insulting language. In evidence, Senior-Sei-geant T. Campagnolo said that the accused had boai-ded an Eastbourne-bound bus at Petone, while under the influence of liquor. The bus was crowded, and as she was unable to obtain a seat, she sat on the arm of an occupied seat and leaned against the occupant. When this was pointed out to her, she used indecent language. She used insulting language when she overheard a question as to her identity. "The decent people of Eastbourne are afraid to ride in the bus when she's had a few drinks, she's such a terror." the witness said.

Appearing for the accused, Mr. W G. L. Mellish said that people on the bus had kept "picking" at her. She would have conducted herself satisfactorily if she had been left alone and if she had not overheard her name being given as "Socks," a name which she detested.

"I am a daughter of old pioneers of New Plymouth." said Saville. speaking in her defence. "I don't think I said those awful words at all," she continued. "They are just trying to drive me out of Eastbourne." Her home had no fireplace and as it had been bitterly cold on the day in question, she had taken rum to ease the chill.

Warning Saville that in future she must choose her company better, the Magistrate convicted and discharged her.

"I'll sit with the men next time," said Saville.