On This Day, 7 November 1917

Birmingham Mail

Wednesday 7 November 1917

COSTUME DID NOT FIT

BIRMINGHAM MUNITION GIRL GETS HER MONEY BACK

The fit of a navy serge costume engaged the attention of the Birmingham County Court this afternoon, before his Honour Judge Amphlett, K.C., when Beatrice May Binding, munition worker, 116, Cromwell Street, brought an action against Mrs. Kate Levine, widow, carrying on business at 105, Great Lister Street, for the recovery of £2 15s., paid for a costume which did not fit.

Mr. E. Bailey Cox, for plaintiff, explained that the girl did not receive the costume until she had paid for it. In consequence of the fit she took it back and demanded the return of her money. Mrs. Levine refused to comply with her request, but gave her a blouse.

Mrs. Levine, who conducted her own case, said not a word was passed about the fit of the costume. All the girl said was that the material was not worth the money paid for it, and that she (Mrs. Levine) was a “fraud”.

Defendant added that her daughter gave the girl a cheap blouse to get plaintiff out of the shop, as the visit was on a Saturday night and they were very busy.

The parties retired to a room at the back of the Court, with a lady clerk who claimed expert knowledge in these matters. Subsequently the Judge said they had the assistance of a lady who knew a great deal more about these matters than he did, and having, in the presence of the defendant, made an examination of the costume, particularly the cost, she reported that in her opinion the material was very bad, and the dress was also a very bad fit. She further stated that she did not think it could be made to fit.

His Honour, therefore, gave judgement for the Plaintiff for £2 15s., and said she would, of course, give up the costume.