DANCER CLAIMS DAMAGES

Greymouth Evening Star, 14 September 1934, Page 3

DANCER CLAIMS DAMAGES

LATEST STEPS FOR SEASON LONDON, August 1. A young woritan, who was said to be a “world’s champion dancer,” was plaintiff in an action which began before Mr. Justice Hawke in the King’s Bench Division yesterday. She was. Miss Eveline McCullagh, of Putney Hill. She claimed damages from Charles Knight and Co. Ltd., printers, of Tooley-street, S.E., for alleged non-delivery to time of 1,000 envelopes. The defence was that the envelopes were delivered on the date agreed. Mr. S. Seuffert (for the plaintiff) said on May 12 she ordered 1,000 sheets of specially printed notepaper arid 1,000 erivelopes, the notepaper to be delivered on May 16 and the envelopes on May 18. The notepaper was duly delivered, but the envelopes were not. Miss McCullagh, counsel continued, was a teacher of dancing and a. world’s champion dancer. She won the professional dancing championship at Nice in 1929 and the Prix d’Honneur Riviera championship and the special prize tango Riviera championship in 1930.

She intended to circularise people in society. Her idea was that when the season began people found they were not exact in the lates steps, and that was the time she wished to send out her circulars. Though she explained this to the printers, the envelopes did not reach her until June 4. They were then of little or no use, as the “season” was too far advanced. She was unable to obtain any clients, and suffered a serious loss. Miss McCullagh, in evidence, said by sending out 1,000 circulars she would expect 250 clients. Probably 150 would take a course of twelve lessons at 6 guineas, 75 would take a 3-guinea course, and there would be about 30 Court curtsey lessens at a guinea each.

Mr. Justice Hawke: I thought dressmakers taught that, but I dare say I’m wrong. (Laughter). Cross-examined by Mr. Ernest Evans Miss McCullagh said she had one school in the Charing-cross district and another in Mayfair. Mr. Justice Hawke: Whom do you circularise frorii the Charing-cross school? —People in the Temple and Whiteh all-court. Mr. Justice Hawke pointed out that, as he had to deal with the question of “international repute,” he required evidence in regard to that. Miss McCullagh said she had been dancing since 1927, and won international honours in demonstrating ballroom dances. Mr. Justice Hawke: What are your earnings?—From 1928 to 1934 they wore £5,600. Do you pay income-tax? —I have not so far. I’ve given the money to my mother. How much have you earned this year?—l should think about £2OO. Judgment was given for the plaintiff for £3l/14/6 with costs.