JOKE AND THE ANSWER

Taranaki Daily News, 23 July 1930, Page 12

JOKE AND THE ANSWER

INCIDENT AT BAKEHOUSE. | FLOUR THROWN AT PHOTOGRAPHE James Alexander Austin objected strongly to being deluged with a double handful of flour when he was perched on the window-sill of Somerton’s bakery, Inglewood. He was busily engaged photographing the excitement caused by the presence of the Governor-General on Juno 21, anil his complaint led to a charge of technical assault being preferred against a youth named Gordon Sattler. “A joke for a joke,” was the contention of the plaintiff, but after sparring jocularly with Mr. I. P. Grant, Austin accepted the profound apologies of the joker. Austin, who said he was a photographer by profession, explained that a preliminary cascade of flour had missed him, but at the second attempt he had stopped the bombardment with a brown suit and his photographic paraphernalia. His suit had required cleaning, and he was put to considerable trouble in removing the flour from his camera. In addition, he objected to having been the subject of a joke in front of a large crowd.

Mr. Grant, who appeared for the defendant, reminded witness that he was a trespasser. The first shower of flour had been merely a reminder that his presence was not desired. It was only a practical joke, inspired, no doubt, by the fact that the defendant’s employer had requested him to remove the win-dow-sill percher, who was obscuring the light. “It may have been his joke,” retorted Austin; “let him consider this charge as the return joke.” Delving into the past, Mr. G*rant said he had heard that Austin had poured a bucket of water over a builder who was working underneath, but Austin could not remember the incident.

Constable Longbottom stated that he had .received a complaint from Austin a,nd had discovered the culprit at the bakehouse.

“It is a matter that calls for an apology and remuneration for damage,” said the magistrate, “This is a police action, and it is obvious that the police considered it a matter that might grow if not checked.”

The court was adjourned for a while, when defendant apologised, and Austin did not claim any expenses,