Served her Right.

Hastings Standard, Issue 134, 30 September 1896, Page 4

Served her Right.

Judge French heard a case at Bowstreet (London) County Court in which Mrs Stewart, wife of a ship's carpenter on board the steamship Himalaya, was sued by Maud Copland, a widow, for £5 for money lent. Plaintiff said she was carrying on her husband's business at 24, Churchstreet, Plaistow. Defendant owed £5. It was true she had paid £4 10s 6d, but that was interest only, and did not affect the principal. Judge French: Are you quite sure it was interest only ? Plaintiff (smiling): lam quite sure. It was moderate, very moderate. Defendant: I engaged a solicitor, but he is not here. I don't owe this money. It was only £8 I borrowed, and I have been paying 4s 6d a week for over twelve months'. (Sensation in court). Judge French: That is nearly £l2. About 400 per cent. Plaintiff: Don't tell lies, Mrs Stewart. You know you had £5. Defendant: It was only £3. Your books show it. Plaintiff: I have not been paid a farthing since October., Judge French (indignantly): You have had too many farthings already. You shall not get another farthing out of this poor women. She has paid you the money already, over and over again» I allow her five shillings for her attendance here ; and, defendant, take care that you do not pay the solicitor any money, as he' failed to come here for you.—(Cheers in Court.)