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Summary: Dubious Doings Of Dell (NZ Truth, 10 October 1925)
On 10 October 1925, a peculiar incident occurred in Auckland that involved a uniformed Constable Needham observing an unusual scene in Queen Street. While on patrol in plain clothes, Needham was taken aback when he witnessed an individual, initially perceived as a woman, beginning to remove articles of clothing as Sunday church-goers passed by. The sight quickly turned comical and alarming as the figure, later identified as Kenneth James Dell, commenced disrobing, starting with his silk stockings and proceeding to remove a hat. Constable Needham promptly intervened, only to discover that the supposed woman was in fact a man masquerading in women's clothing. As a result of this startling encounter, Dell was charged with behaving in a disorderly manner and later appeared in Magistrate’s Court. During the proceedings, he questioned the constable about his plain clothes, expressing that he had informed Needham of his intentions to meet a member of the Labor Party at the nearby Strand Theatre. However, upon arrival, it became clear that no such meeting was scheduled. Dell, who did not have legal representation, requested an adjournment, which was granted. On the rescheduled date, he failed to appear in court. His lawyer, Mr. Matthews, represented him and attempted to explain Dell’s unusual behavior to the court. He described his client as a man with "peculiar ideas" who had never previously encountered legal trouble. Dell’s motives for dressing as a woman and his direction toward the Trades Hall remained unclear. Matthews noted that Dell was a war veteran who had been experiencing mental health issues, suggesting that his actions stemmed from these challenges. He disclosed that Dell had even suffered a fit earlier that day in the lawyer's office, which hindered his attendance in court. The prosecution, represented by Mr. Cutten, pointed out Dell's apparent mental instability but insisted that he should face legal consequences. Cutten stated that had Dell been present, he would have recommended a short prison sentence to compel him to rethink his actions. However, the plea from Matthews resonated with the court, leading to the decision to dismiss the charge under section 92 of the Justices of the Peace Act. Dell was instead ordered to pay a fine of ten shillings, along with court expenses. The proceedings concluded with Mr. Cutten cautioning that Dell would not receive another leniency in the future. This colorful courtroom episode not only reflects a moment in New Zealand’s legal history but also sheds light on societal attitudes toward gender and mental health during the 1920s.
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