CHARGE DISMISSED.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LII, Issue 204, 29 July 1932, Page 8

CHARGE DISMISSED.

CASE IN AVELLINGTON. Per Press Association. AVELLINGTON, July 29. Charles Perrin, who appeared recently in AVillis Street clad only in a loin cloth and shoes, was declared by Mr E. Page, S.M., to-day in a reserved decision not to have committed an offence. Tho charge was of behaving in a disorderly manner. Mr Page held that, while tho appearance of a person in a grotesque costume in the public streets might cause some excitement, that in itself, in the absence of other circumstances, did not constitute disorderly behaviour. Save for the fact that he was thus clad, defendant’s conduct was in no way riotous or disorderly. His presence on the streets in grotesque garb would no doubt attract some attention and might tend to cause a number of the public to follow him. The same might be said of tho methods quite commonly adopted for the purpose of advertising. One occasionally saw', for example, a clown in full dress who paraded through the streets to advertise a travelling circtic or, perhaps, a bevy of young people clad in South Sea Island costume paraded to advertise a visiting picture. To come within the section of the Act quoted, ho thought something more was needed, something in the nature of a noisy quarrel, some abusive or unruly behaviour disturbing the public peace. Nor did he think the garb defendant was wearing could be held to be an indecent one so as to bring defendant within the provisions of the Act relating to public decency. Boxers and wrestlers regularly appeared and performed in public more scantily clad than was defendant.