MUCH ADO ABOUT NEXT TO NOTHING.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18450, 28 April 1928, Page 2

MUCH ADO ABOUT NEXT TO NOTHING.

MOTHER DEFENDS BOY IN CHILDREN’S COURT.

Mother-love took a particularly militant form in the Children’s Court this morning, when a boy who was charged with riding a bicycle without a light at night was defended vigorously by his mother. Mr E. D. Mosley, SAL, and Mr'W. M. West, J.P., were on the Bench.

A constable gave a matter-of-fact account of an unusual occurrence.

“ I found the boy riding without a light at night,” he said. “ I asked for his name and address, and he gave me several addresses, which I knew must bfe false. I stayed with him until he at length led me to his home. His mother quickly came upon the scene.

“ 4 May God come down and curse you, you blasted crawler,’ was what she said, among other things.”

The mother, was in court, and despite the Magistrate’s repeated request that she should take a seat, she persisted in standing. "Are you an Irishwoman? asked the Magistrate. 44 No, I'm English.” “ Then you are a disgrace to VQur country in any case. It would almost seem that you were drunk at the “ Look here, my man, I was not drunk,” said the mother. " Will you please take a seat?” “ No. I prefer to stand.” 44 If you are going to mete out any punishment, I would rather you gave it to me than my boy.” said the mother. 44 He is a good boy.” 44 If I give you anything it will be seven days,” said the Magistrate, entering into the spirit of the thing. 44 I would rejoice in doing every day* T would rejoice in the knowledge that God would know that I was doing it for my boy, who is a good boy.”

44 You seem to be under God’s especial protection.” " Yes, I am. He always protects those who do the right.” The Magistrate: 44 If I were you 1 would net use His name so freely. 44 I’m not afraid,” came the immediate answer. The boy was questioned. “I had a lamp at home, but T had no money to buy oil just to satisfy any policeman that happened to come along.” The Magistrate: 44 I accept the evidence of the policeman as to the circumstances of the case.” 44 I hope that God will believe you when next you go to the altar to take communion,” said the mother. “Will-you sit down, please.” 44 No.” 44 You must stand away from your son. I want to talk to him,” said the Magistrate. Then, 14 This is only a little offence, my boy. but straws show which way the wind blows. If you break little jules you might be led to break big ones.” “ Everyone else does it,” said the young defendant. 44 Perhaps, but two wrongs don’t make a right. You are admonished and discharged.” Mrs Frank Raymond, of Timaru, who takes an active interest in the Children's Court at Timaru. was an interested observer of the case.