Page 430 - Reading Mercury

The Hon. R. Coventry, instructed by Messrs. Brain and Brain of Reading, appeared
for the prosecution, and Mr. Cecil Walsh, instructed by Mr. E.T. Hatt, of Reading,
was briefed for the defendant.
Mr. Coventry said there were two charges of indecent assault upon which the
prosecution proposed to rely. In regard to the charge of rape, that was entirely owing
to a misunderstanding. The view of the prosecution was that the girl in her innocence
had misled them in believing something more had taken place than was actually the
case.
Miss Elizabeth Griffin, aged 19, said she had been in Mr. May’s service for two
years and ten months. He employed a housekeeper, Mrs. Lunn. On Aug 18, a Sunday,
it was witness’s duty to wait upon Mr. May at supper, and she waited upon him about
9.45 p.m. After supper Mr. May said “Mary Come here, I want you a minute.” She
did not know what he wanted and went to him. He took hold of her hand, sat her on
his knee and behaved indecently. She struggled and asked him to let her go, and he
replied, “Wait a minute.” When she got away he said “Goodnight.” He kissed her. She
was not willing that he should act like that. Mrs Lunn had gone to bed, complaining of
being unwell. Witness went to her bedroom and locked the door. The next morning
Mrs. Lunn called at her room and found the door locked. She let her in and made a
complaint. On the following Sunday she laid the supper for Mr. May. Mrs Lunn came
into the dining room and said, “No doubt you will be surprised for me to come in Mr.
May. I have come to say what has happened to Mary this last week-not only today but
last Sunday as well, you have been very rude to her, and I have told her to tell her
mother. I have heard a good deal about you, but I have always taken your part, but
now I will screen you in no way at all. A man in your position should be downright
ashamed of himself. It is quite time that Mary and I both made a change. I thought I
could not rest until I had it out with you tonight.”
Mr. May replied, “I don’t think I have done Mary any harm.” Witness complained
to her mother on Sunday, August 25, and on the following day her father took her
away.
(much more)

nd
Sat 2 Nov
Miss Ellen J. Heron, daughter of Alderman Heron, married Mr. A.W. Gallaway of
Hastings.

st
Sat 21 Dec
As Mr. T.M. Wescott was being driven into the Market-place on Tuesday his horse
fell and expired.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
The children of the Palmer Schools were presented with their County Council prizes
on Thursday afternoon by the Mayor and Mrs. W.T. Martin, who, afterwards,
attended the gathering of the children of St. Paul’s Sunday School in the Parish Room
and distributed book prizes to the deserving scholars. Tea was prepared for the
children, and Mr. T.E. Ellison provided a lantern entertainment. The scholars of St.
Paul’s Day Schools had their annual winter treat yesterday (Friday). Presents of toys,
buns, and oranges were given, and a pleasant time was spent. Miss Dodge (the
headmistress of the infants’ department) was the recipient of handsome presents from
the managers, teachers, and the children on the occasion of her forthcoming marriage.

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