SHRIEKS REND NIGHT AIR.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18055, 15 January 1927, Page 1

SHRIEKS REND NIGHT AIR.

BEDLAM LET LOOSE IN SUBURBAN STREET DRUNKEN WOMAN LOOKS FOR FIGHT; NEIGHBOURS CALL POLICE FOR PEACE “She screams and bawls on the streets something dreadful,” said Constable Rowe in *he Magistrate's Court this morning, reierring to Ethel Ester O Malley, by no means a stranger to Court procedure. The constable painted a very black picture of O’Malley's mode of living and habits, and extra touches were added by Constable Bosworth.

The charges against the woman were: Drunkenness, breach of a prohibition order, and being an idle and disorderl}'’ person, in that she had insupfficient lawful means of support. To the first two she pleaded guilty, but as to the third, she said that her husband was working and kept her. Mr E. D. Mosley, S.M., was on the Bench.

Constable Rowe said that the woman was living in a small two-roomed bach. At least four days a week she came home drunk and quarrelled with her neighbours. “»She goes in to the nextdoor neighbour and makes fight,” said the constable, “and out on the street it is Bedlam let loose. This morning at 6 o'clock, she was chasing her husband down the street. He has no money himself, and cannot keep her. He spends his money in the same way as his wife, but most of the time he is out of work. She screams and howls something dreadful, and the neighbours are continually complaining.” Sub-Inspector Matthew: Does she ! make visits to Chinamen? Constable Rowe: It is said so, but I cannot sa>'. The woman was asked if she wished to ask any questions. “No questions,” she replied, “bxit I want to argue this point. My husband is working.” “What were you chasing him for thus morning?” asked the constable, who appeared willing to argue. “I was try'ing to get some money from him,” replied the woman. “He took it from me.” Constable Bosworth said that the woman used filthy language. He added that there was no furniture in the house and that the woman lived on the streets. The woman said that* she did not. knock about the streets doing wrong. “I do take drink, I know,” she admitted. “My husband works and keeps “Where does he work?” asked the magistrate. “In Pyne’s wool store,” replied Ester. “How much does he get?” “Over £5 a week.” “How long has he been there?” pursued the magistrate. “Ever since the sale, sir,” was Ester s reply. (There was a sale last week.) “When did lie last give you any money?” was the next question. “Last night,” was the reply, “but he took it off me again. That is why I chased him this morning. I wanted to pay ray debts.” "You always pa>' } r our debts?” asked the Magistrate. "Yes,” said Ester. Sub-Inspector Mathew: She has not paid her last fine yet. The woman: I have got until Tuesday to pay that. The Magistrate to the Sub-Inspector: Ha . she been to gaol? “Not yet,” was the answer. “She should be.” remarked the Magistrate. “On the charge of drunkenness she will be fined 20s, in default 48 hours’ imprisonment.” “Can I have time to pay it with the other one owing—until Tuesday?” asked the weman in the dock. “No, I wont give you one minute,” replied the Magistrate emphatically. For procuring Jiqudr while prohibited O’Malley was fined £3, in default one month’s imprisonment. The Magistrate said that he could not sustain the third charge of being idle and disorderly and it was dismissed, )