WAITRESS & HER TIPS

Greymouth Evening Star, 27 March 1926, Page 7

WAITRESS & HER TIPS

CHARGE OF CONSPIRACY.

‘.‘Although there is a notice, ‘“No gratuities allowed,” there is little aoubt that such a system exists as tlie uniter-charging oi customers who tip,” said Mr Percival Llarke, prosecuting in an unusual case at tne Old Bailey, London, recently. Thomas Clarke, a clerk, and Blien Grace Gioves, a waitress, were charged witn conspiring to obtain food by false pretences. Counsel said Clarke was what was known as a ““tipping” customer at a restaurant, and it was suggested that for his tips the waitress was generous enough to charge him too little for his refreshment. An inspector said that while sitting at the same table as Clarke he heard him say, ‘‘Reg. and I usually get about 2s worth tor Is here. We give the girl about Is a week.’" bn three days he noticed that Clarke had food amounting to Is B£d, for whicn Gioves gave him a bill for Is ; he was charged Is lgd when the bill should have been 2s 3d; he was given a bill for Is which should have been Is 3d.

It was suggested by the defence that the inspector had mistaken a veal cutlet for a salmon cutlet, which was cheaper. Samples were shown to the jury, whereupon Mr Justice McCardie remarked: “I think after these exhibits we should aajourn for lunch.” (Laughter).

Clarke denied that he had ever lunched, at the place with anyone named “Reg.” He had no arrangement with Miss Groves. He did no* know her name before the prosecution.

Miss Groves said Clarke had occasionally given her a tip, but never more than 6d. She had never undercharged him. When witness was cross-examined as to whether she ser.ved a knife and fork or two forks with a salmon cutlet, the judge interposed:—“l should not mina earing fish with a knife and fork. A great many of these social affectations are absurd. If you go into a restaurant on the Continent you will often see English people using a knife and fork where they would require two forks in England.” The jury failed to agree and the case was adjourned until next sessions. Accused were allowed bail.