DRAMATIC MEETING

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 30 March 1929, Page 5

DRAMATIC MEETING

INCIDENT IN BARKER CASE. (United Pre*o Association —By Ekviiiu Jelegrupn Copyright.) (Australian Press Association.) LONDON, March 27. “Captain Barker”, who has been committed for trial on < a charge of perjury, was obviously 'distressed in court. Mrs. Barker succeeded in being calm until Miss Howard, was called to the witness box. Then Mrs. Barker almost collapsed and endeavoured to hide her head in a. large neck fur which was the only ’‘truly feminine touch in her attire. Mrs. Barker was seized with a fit of anguish; she shook violently and burst into tears. The magistrate asked her to raise her iiead in order that Miss Howard might recognise her. “No, no,” she pleaded. The magistrate insisted and Airs. Barker raised her face and the eyes of the pair met. “That was my ‘husband,’ ” said Miss Howard.

It is not difficult to realise how the masquerade was so successful. Airs. Barker stood head and shoulders above everyone in the packed court. She was taller and broader than any policeman present, and seemed strangely out of place in female garments even thougn they were of distinctly mannish mode. At the conclusion of the charge- she almost collepsed and had to be assisted from the Court.