'ENGLISH SPOKEN HERE'

New Zealand Tablet, 9 May 1912, Page 62

'ENGLISH SPOKEN HERE'

A Chinese resident in San . Francisco was - recently brought before- the local magistrate for an infraction of the city by-laws and fined five dollars. The magistrate found it difficult to explain the sentence to the Celestial, who stubbornly refused to admit his knowledge of ‘ English.’ * Now, look here, John!’ explained the court orderly, impatiently. ‘lt’s five dollars, see? You pay money, no go prison. Savvy?’ ‘ No savvy !’ was ‘ John’s ’ retort, for the twentieth time. ‘ ■ * Let me have a turn at him,’ said policeman Murphy, who had made the arrest. ‘ I’ll show yer honor that he understands English perfectly.’ • The required permission was given, and Murphy, taking a stand beside the Chinaman, bawled into- his ear, ‘ D’ye hear, .ye’re fined ten dollars !’ ‘Heap big : lie,’ replied John blandly; ‘it’s only five.’ . '