COULDN’T LIVE WITHOUT COCKY.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 14234, 6 March 1914, Page 5

COULDN’T LIVE WITHOUT COCKY.

AMUSING MELBOURNE SUMMONS CASE. MELBOURNE, February 25. Determined and impressed with the justice of her claims, Mary O’Rourke, a spiritualist, appeared at tho South Melbourne Court yesterday to proceed against Alice Knipe, a married woman, on information alleging that sho detained a galah parrot, valued at 3s. Her remarkable statements, combined with occasional interjections by Mr J. Baragwanath, J.P., kept the'oourt in roars of laughter. After complainant had spoken in support of her claim for tho bird she clasped her hands, and dramatically gazing up to the ceiling, said, “It was a beautiful bird, and I hope you will give it back to me. I know it is mine, God gave it to mo.” Mr Baragwanath: Tho Lord gave and the Lord bath taken away. (Laughter.) Complainant: No; Mrs Knipe took it awav. (Loud laughter.) Mr Baragwanath; How do you recognise it?— Every morning it calls, “Oh, mamma, are you there?” and every evening it says its prayers with me. Wo talk to the spirits together. Last night I had a talk to tho spirits, and they said. “Mrs Knipe had my b,ird.” Mr Baragwanath; I am afraid that if defendant was not present we cannot accept Their statement. It is only hearsay evidence. (Laughter.) Complainant: Then the spirit was broken; just like losing a rib, and you know what that is. Mr Baragwanath; I do not. Do you take me for Adam? (Renewed laughter.) Complainant r It always called, “Daddy. Dad, will you come homo?” Mr Baragwanath: Won’t you come Bill Bailev? (More laughter.) John Knipe, husband of defendant, identified the bird by private marks as a bird brought from Now South Wales by his son two months ago. Mr Baragwanath: Has it any way of expressing itself?— Yes. it says “Pretty cockv; eh, whose bird are you?” Mr Baragwanath: Tho bird seems to have some doubt about the matter itself. (Laughter.) When it was explained to Mrs O’Rourke that Kniue had clearly identified the bird, that lady tearfully exclaimed: “Well, what am Ito do? I suppose I'll have to die; X cannot live without my cocky. ! Mr Baragwanath: I am sure we cannot Jjelp you. Complainant; I have lost my rib. (Laughter.) Mr Baragwanath: The case is dismissed. Complainant: Yon are very wicked mon. (Roars of laughtep.jj, ———————