ALLEGED MISFIT.

Wanganui Chronicle, Issue 12883, 17 June 1913, Page 7

ALLEGED MISFIT.

DISPUTE OVER A DRES6

LADIES AS LITIGANTS

(By Telegraph.—Special to Chronicle.) AUCKLAND, June 14.

When the fair sex go to law •in oases involving the tit of a"costume", theproLpedings are usually of, more than ordinary interest. Such -a case, occupied the* •attention of Mr C. C. Kettle, S.M., at the Magistrate's Court this morning. Plaintiff -was a dressmaker, Mrs Elizabeth Lilly Cooper, who claimed 29s for nuking <a dress for Miss Sarah Bachael Dunn. Mr M. Dillon Mahoney appeared lor plaintiff and Mr "Grundy for the defendant. The point at issue was . th<? fit of the dress which Miss Dunn said vvas unsatisfactory and which plaintiff offeied to alter to fit if the defendant would allow the opportunity. Formal evidence was given as to the making and delivery of the dress, which was i liken away by the defendant after having been fitted on several times. It was when defendant entered the v ibuOEB-box that real interest in the case began. She stated she was fitted Bor 9 times, but was never satisfied with, it as the dress was too tight. Mrs Cooper iiiid admitted to her that she cut the dress wrongly and could not alter it at the. second trying on. She said she had a new pattern, been worried and could not alter at. The dress had been almost finished? then unpacked. Mrs Cooper told her to take it to another dressmaker. She was sick of it. "Witness had not worn the dress and did not promist^ to pay'for it.

When the Magistrate asked a question about the defendant, fl^e- inquired sweetly /'Shall I put it on?"

Mr. Kettle aEri'eer^tp the prorjOß.al,and n'itness retired to a room.to' excn&ri:{r>v Meanwhile the Magistrate had left thi l>ench and during tho few moments after Miss Dunn returned the two solicitors," plaintiff and defendant had a. discussion about the fit of the dress. ■

'Mr Kettle, when he returned, said to defendant: " Please stand down in front and turn round." which request vms carefully.attended, to, -whereimon tho Magistrate remarked: "I. don't know much .about'dresses. What is wroii'' with it?" Mrs Cooper.—T ■could alter it in half an hour your Worship. Miss Dunn : "Skirt won't hang right." Mr Kettle.—"l thought the fashion was now for the w.aist to be up under tho arms." i Mis Cooper.—"Miss Dunn wanted tho waist high nn." Mr Kettle".—"That is not a. hobble.hkirlP" . Witness.—"No. but it is too high." Mr Kettle.—"What is wron* w th it? Wow, don't all talk together." .IMrs Cooper.-r-' fil cati let the skirt out.". - v jVfi"9s Dunn.— "Thci-e is nothineuto lot out." .■"-;* . ~.. ;/'~ Mh Cooper.—" There'is enough to let out." Miss Dunn.—"You can't do it. QVfra Cooiyzr." . - ' . ■ Miss Mabel ■■Gibson, dressmaker, called and gay© her opinion that the skirt was not <*,ut as it shouM 'luavA been. It should also have been darted. Mr Kettle.—"Been what?" Witness, smiline.—•'Darted, «?ir." . Mrs Coonpf.—" You can't dart a skirt of fcliat kind." : ;;

.Mr Kettle. —vWe. will . adjourn tTie casM and meet jigain in a; fortnight. In tho meantime Mrs Cooper must have h chance to try and fit as you want it."