Page 3 Advertisements Column 2

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15521, 31 January 1914, Page 3 (Supplement)

A musical demonstration was given at Marylebone police court a few weeks ago, by William Watson, a comedian, aged sixty-seven, who was charged with gathering alms. A constable accused Watson of playing several tunes on. a whistle' very badly, pretending to dance, and making a humming noise with his mouth. The crowd laughed at and ridiculed him, he said, and at first he himself thought that the man was not quite right in his head. Watson proceeded to (jive a demonstration of the " humming noise" referred to by the officer, which was evidently intended to be an imitation of the cornet. The court was greatly amused, and tEe magistrate remarked that it was a very original entertainment. Watson complained that he was charged under an antiquated Act, which did not contain a word about street musicians. He had a repertoire of over 100 songs, many of hie own composition, and could play 200 tunes; The magistrate told Watson "to go away.