A STRANGE CURE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3306, 26 August 1911, Page 9

A STRANGE CURE.

DANCING IN A HAMPSTEAD POND

The spectacle of : Charles Ricketts, aged forty, dancing in the cool waters of the White Stone Pond, Hampstead, was too much for the watchful policeofficer on duty, who haled him before the Magistrate. . A , Ricketts protested against being described as a laborer, and said he was “Ricketts, Hampstead,” the oldest contractor in the parish, and had contracted for Government work. His firm, he said, was in existence when Hampstead was’patrolled by a single policeman. Police-Constable .Sharp said Ricketts was singing at the top of his voice in the middle of the pond, and refused for a long time to come out. When he did so he refused to go. away. Ricketts said lie comported himself in this manner as a cure for rheumatism. ' . v _ Mr. A. Clarke (chairman): Do you •seriously mean to suggest that you danced in the middle of the pond in order to cure yourself? Ricketts: Most certainly. Together with a piece of soap it is a guaranteed cure, and I am entitled to take my footbath'in that pond if I desire. Twelve previous convictions of a similar character were recorded Ricketts, and lie was ordered to pay a ‘fine of os and the doctor’s fee of 7s 6d.