“THE FUNNEL TRICK”

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 281, 27 November 1936, Page 8

“THE FUNNEL TRICK”

JOKES ON POLICEMAN Brighton's police officer with th “Oxford accent,” Constable J. Wai dren-Underwood, recently described a Brighton Quarter Sessions certai tricks which he alleged were playe on him in a public-house where h was keeping observation. The “O> ford accent” is explained by the fac that in a recent case he referred t the game of “shove ha’penny” a “push halfpenny.” George Beech, former trainer c Brighton and Hove Albion Foot ba Club, was accused of permitting bel ting on his licensed premises. Mr. 1 Gates, who defended, asked Polic Constable Waldren-Underwood if h was likely to be identified in the ba by his conversation. “I did not tai as 1 am talking now,” the officer e> plained.

Mr. Gates: Oh, you are a bit of a mimic, are you?—Well, I suppose so. Recorder, Mr. J. D. Cassels, K.C.: Were you wearing your old school tie on this occasion? —No, I was not. Waldren-Underwood said that men in the bar asked him to balance a com on his head, and then put a funnel in the waistband of his trousers and poured beer down it. Mr. Gates suggested to WaldrenUnderwood, who denied that the tricks were played on him because he was recognised, and when he attempted to demonstrate a ju-jitsu grip on a man he was himself put on the floor. Waldren - Underwood: You might call it fifty-fifty. Another police witness said that the funnel trick was also played on him. Beech, who pleaded not guilty, asserted that the tricks were played on the two officers because they were known to be policemen. Defendant was found not guilty and discharged.