CUT OFF HER NOSE

Greymouth Evening Star, 1 March 1937, Page 4

CUT OFF HER NOSE

HOW GIPSY PUNISHED WIFE Rumania is probably the only counery in Europe where gipsies continue to lead a free and easy nomadic life. They refuse to settle down and become “professional gipsies” for the benefit of tourists in search of local colours. Instead, they move from place to place in ox-driven carts, their pigs, goats, ducks and dogs faithfully following them. They talk their own language and cling to the strange, pagan customs which often bring them in conflict with the authorities. The following case is a striking illustration of the laws prevailing among the Rumanian gipsies; Alexander Varga cut off with a kitchen knife the nose of his pretty, blackeyed wife. Brought before the court at Bucharest, he explained that it is the custom of his tribe to punish in this manner unfaithful spouses. The noseless wife, who was the principal witness for the prosecution not only confirmed Varga’s statements but also astonished the court by declaring that she willingly submitted to the painful operation. “Without my nose I shall no longer tempt men and will remain a good wife for the rest of my life,” she repentingly told the judge. Nevertheless, Varga was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment.