THE SEAMY SIDE.

Waikato Times, Volume 105, Issue 17787, 12 August 1929, Page 4

THE SEAMY SIDE.

TALES TOLD MAGISTRATE. ART AND ALMS. 4 (By R. E. Corder, in the London Daily Mall.) What Is the difference between art. and alms? Where shall we draw the line between a sneer in stone and a smear in chalks? Some critics say that Epstein’s “Night” is an offence against good taste. Police officers say that some pavement pictures and most street music are offences against the law.

A policeman who Is also a critic listened to a duet rendered in the neighbourhood of Marlborough Street Police Court by Leonard of the long locks and Alfred of the flaming hair. Leonard was playing faintly “Soldiers of the Cross” on a one-stringed fiddle, and Alfred was playing nothing on a mouth organ.

“It is not music,” declared the plain clothes constable, glaring at Alfred, who 1 was industriously blowing Into a dumb instrument. “It is not music," emphasised the officer, scowling at Leonard, who on the single string was making more noughts than crosses. “They were placing themselves in the street for the purpose of seeking alms,” said the constable to Mr Mead, the magistrate at Marlborpugh Street Police Court on Saturday.

“It is an Englishman’s right to be supported out of the rates,” contended Mr Mead.

“Quite,” agreed Leonard, “but is it not better for ratepayers to put pennies in a cap than to contribute shillings to the rates?" This question of voluntary and compulsory charity mixed up with a duet among the dustbins was obviously too much for Mr Mead, who sent the alms-seeking artists to interview the court missionary.

Wilfred, who was almost surrounded by whiskers, played not, neither did he sing. A constable who was hoarse throughi telling Wilfred that he was wanted for begging, turned him over complete with whiskers, to the gaoler, who, making a megaphone of his hands, shouted, “They say you were begging.” Wilfred smiled through his whiskers. It was the sort of smile that makes an ordinary man disinherit his nearest and dearest. “Make signs,” advised the clerk. Tlie gaoler made signs which lie meant to suggest begging, and Wilfred edged away in terror to the limit of the dock. “I think he is deaf and dumb, sir, said the gaoler, looking distastefully at Wilfred, who w r as fearfully feeling his whiskers. “Put him back for an interpreter, ordered the magistrate. “Ancl a barber,” murmured the gaoler.