"TROUBADOUR" BANJOIST

Waikato Times, Volume 99, Issue 16634, 27 October 1925, Page 8

"TROUBADOUR" BANJOIST

WELLER'S LETTER TO JUDGE. In the Vacation Court, London, before Mr Justice Pinlay, Henry Wcller, a strolling banjo player, whose, performances on the sands at Minehead, Somerset, Mr Luttrell, the owner of the foreshore, sought to restrain, set out his defence in an amusing letter to the Judge. .Mr Weiler explained I hat an exparte injunction having 'been obtained against him over that day, bis activities had been curtailed and he was unable to employ counsel. Mr Wei-' ler proceeded:— "On August 3 a man came to me and said, 'Clear out.' Having been performing there ever since July ft and having had several conversations

with the same man of a congenial character, I thought it funny that be should speak lo me like that. I said. 'Who says so?' He said, 'The guv 1 - nor.' I said, 'Then let him come and speak to me himself.' and continued my performance. After a quarter of an hour a man came, and without any introduction on his part said. 'Who gave you permission to collect pennies on the sand?' but I continued !o go on with my business and went on until August 8. when two men assaulted me in the presence of a number of visitors. Then a man in charge of the chairs put his fingers inside my shirt collar, and twisting it until I felt a choking sensation and my face went red-'''

Wcller having pointed out that he had belonged- to parties of strolling players who used the foreshore in j 91*7 and 1020, went on: — "I am a banjoist of some considerable merit, and though- I secure .engagements with orchestras in the winter I like to be a troubadour in the summer months. My business i« lo amuse visitors and not to annoy or offend the,m, whatever their class or creed I did my bit in the Great War when I fought for a principle for which I am still fighting." Mr Justice Finlay granted an injunction against Mr Wcller until the trial of the action. v