“CLOCK WAS SLOW"

New Zealand Times, Volume LI, Issue 11737, 26 January 1924, Page 4

“CLOCK WAS SLOW"

A CHINAMAN’S EXCUSE. AND THE MAGISTRATE SMILED I Whenever Chinese appear in court it may be taken for granted that the proceedings will not be exactly solemn. Joe Lee Bros, appeared on summons at the Police Court yesterday to face a charge of selling cigarettes after hours. Smiling nervously, the defendant listened to the charge being read out against bim, but it waa plain be did not understand English. A friend of his who acted as interpreter admitted understanding English, but said the accused could not. The magistrate: Does be admit the charge ? Interpreter: He admits being open seven o’clock. The inspector here stated that the precise time was 7.30. The magistrate (to interpreter): The charge says he was open at half-past seven. The interpreter spoke a moment with the accused, and then turned t« the bench: “He say the clock was slow,” ho replied solemnly, and even the bench was forced to smile at the very thin excuse. The accused looked quite pleased with himself, even when he was fined £1 and costs, and left the court , smilingly.