WOMAN'S MASQUERADE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20217, 30 March 1929, Page 11

WOMAN'S MASQUERADE.

APPEARANCE IN COURT. COMMITTAL FOR TRIAL. LONDON, March 27. Mrs. Valerie Smith, who masqueraded for months as "Captain Barker," was committed for trial for alleged perjury. She was allowed bail. She fainted in Court when the magistrate announced his decision. The Marylcbone Court was crowded with women, the majority ;n their early 20's, The principal witness was Miss Haward, whom "Barker" is alleged to have " married." Her appearance deeply affected the defendant, who was convulsed with sobs. Miss Haward swore that she had believed " Barker" was a man - . i ,v. There was a dramatic scene when the accused was face to face with Miss Haward. Although obviously distressed, she kept calm until Miss Haward was called to the witness-box, when she almost collapsed. She endeavoured to hide her head in a large neck fur, which was the only truly feminine touch in her attire. Sho was seized with a fit of anguish and shook violently and burst into tears. The magistrate asked her to raise her head in order that Miss Haward might recognise her, but she pleaded no, no. The magistrate insisted and she raised her face, and tho eyes of the pair met. "Thai was my husband," said Miss Haward. It was not difficult to realise how tho masquerade was successful, as Mrs. Smith stood head and shoulders above everyone in the packed Court. Sho was taller and broader than any policeman present. She seemed strangely out of place in female garments, even although they were distinctly mannish in mode. At the conclusion of the charge she almost collapsed and had to bo assisted from tho Court, where sho fainted.