“MENACE TO YOUNG GIRLS"

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12549, 11 September 1926, Page 6

“MENACE TO YOUNG GIRLS"

iLDERLY MAN AND HIS TYPISTE “PUT ARM AROUND MY WAIST” DIVERTING STORY TOLD IN COURT '*l never attempted to kiss the girl. 1 never put my arms around her waist. 1 never even fondled her. 1 never had the thought in my mind. My sweetheart is May Martin, and 1 love her. 1 denied fondling this other girl May at the police station, but the detectives were most cheeky to me. They called me by my Christian name, ‘Archibald,’ as if they had known me all their lives—most impertinent, most impertinent.” THE PERSONIFICATION OF INJURED VIRTUE Archibald Georgo Anderton Gledhill, elderly and of scholarly appearance, wailed the above from the wit-ness-box of the Magistrate’s Court yesterday. Gledbill was charged with assaulting a girl of 16 years, newly employed as his typiste, and as the case proceeded the loungers in the body of the court were treated to an entertainment of the breeziest and most humorous type. As a result the court orderly had a busy time in quelling numerous bursts of laughter. “GIVEN NO ENCOURAGEMENT" An attractive girl of sixteen years of age said that she had answered an advertisement for a typiste, and was standing talking to a friend in Lambton quay, deciding whether or not to go in, when Gledhill came down the stairs and asked her if she were seeking a position. She replied that she was, and Gledhill took her upstairs. After asking to see her references he later engaged her, and she commenced work the same morning. ‘ The following day he told me about a girl named May Martin whom he had previously employed, and on whom he had spent £80,” continued witness. “He told me he was engaged to her, and was going to marry her later on.” Witness then said that she told Gledhill she did not want to hear about the other girl. Gledhill then came across to her and put his arm round her waist. Witness wrenched herself away, picked up her coat and hat, and immediately left. She had not given Gledhill the slightest encouragement. Detective McLennan gave evidehce that when interviewed defendant had said that he never kissed his typists or fondled them unless they asked him. “THE OTHER GIRL” •‘I have been divorced for over twenty years,” said Gledhill from the witness-box. ‘‘lt was on my own petition. I claim to be a single man.” Witness strenuously denied that he had put his arm round the girl’s waist, or that he had attempted to kiss her. The complainant’s name was May, and that was the reason he told her of his relations with the other girl, May Martin. How many girls have you had in vour office in the past year?—About fifteen. They are so unsuitable, but May Martin was perfect and efficient. (Laughter.) Chief-Detective Ward: I suggest you were just trying this young girl out to see how far she would go?— That’s your evil thought. Filth you ought to go to church more. (Laughter.) Now, do you remember that I interviewed you in Christchurch many years ago in regard to your having exposed yourself to a young girl? Mr Leicester: —Did yon prosecute him then?—No.

Well, I suggest your tactice are most unfair.

“GIRLS MUST BE PROTECTED,” SAYS MAGISTRATE

His Worship, in convicting the accused, remarked that young girls must be given protection. His Worship, in sentencing Gledrill to one month’s imprisonment, said that defendant had never been convicted previously, but he proposed to accept tho chief-detective’s statement. Mr Leioester: Will Your Worship make the sentence one month and one dav for the purpose of appeal. His Worship: No, I’m afraid I cannot. Mr Leioester: I submit, Your Worship. I am entitled to ask His Worship: You are entitled to ask, Mr Leicester, but I am not going to accede to your request.