From the Archives: Before Mayo court for putting four pockets in a three pocket garment

By Tom Gillespie

IN January 1945, at the bi-monthly court in Westport, with District Justice Mr. William David Coyne presiding, a number of merchants were summoned by the Minister for Supplies for overcharging.

Mr. Thornton prosecuted; Mr. Garvey defended.

Mr. Thornton said that the defendant, Richard O’Malley, publican, High Street, Westport, had charged 11d. for half a pound of biscuits, the controlled price being 8d.

There was also a charge of aiding and abetting against Mrs. Ellen McBride, shop assistant.

Mr. Garvey, pleading guilty, said Mr. O’Malley had gone on holidays at the time and left no price list.

His sister-in-law was left in charge and she was not well up in trade matters.

Mr. Thornton said O’Malley has been convicted before in November 1942, and in September 1944, for overcharging for sugar, coffee and bread.

Mr. Garvey contended that there was a reasonable excuse on this occasion.

District Justice: What is the fine in such cases?

Mr. Thornton: £500.

District Justice: What was O’Malley fined the last time?

Mr. Thornton: He was fined 20/-, but this did not deter this profiteering gentleman.

The justice imposed a fine of 20/-, with court costs, and fined the shop assistant 5/-.

There were five other charges by the Minister for Supplies against J.P. Hobbins, Bridge Street, Westport, which included the failure to give information to an inspector, overcharging for chocolates and sweets, etc.

Mr. Thornton said that Hobbins had charged 1/3 for a quarter pound of chocolates, the controlled price being 1/-, and had also charged 1/- for a quarter pound of sweets, the controlled price being 9d.

Mr. Garvey, pleading guilty, said his client had met with great misfortune.

His wife had died and he was left with five young children on his hands and his business had gone down.

Mr. Thornton: This is not his first offence.

He has already been convicted of overcharging in the sale of cigarettes.

The defendant was fined 2/6 in each case of five charges, with costs.

Meanwhile, P.J. O’Grady, Quay Road, Westport, was charged with inserting too many pockets in an article of clothing.

Mr. Thornton said he understood the defendant was admitting the offence.

The defendant said a customer had prevailed upon him to insert four pockets in a garment instead of three. He was fined 2/6 and court costs.

Walter Burke, Louisburgh, was charged with overcharging in the sale of biscuits and was fined 2/6.

There was a similar charge against P.J. McNamara, Louisburgh, and he was also fined 2/6.

Mrs. Mary Morrison, Louisburgh, was charged with selling soap and butter to an unregistered customer.

Mr. Donnelly, defending, said a lady from the Department walked into the shop, and, adopting a western accent, succeeded in getting what she wanted.

Outcome: Fined 2/6 in each case.