A swearing competition?!
Kathy in our team was doing some research for another enquiry and came across a report in the Kelso Chronicle, December 15 1893, in the Jedburgh column section on the Police Court. This tickled us as remembering a fine from court that in the news last week we note that this fine was 7s 6d or seven days as opposed to £50 today!
‘POLICE COURT, - Swearing Competition - At the Police Court on Monday, before Bailie Young, a breach of the peace in Exchange Street on the 9th inst. by going about in a state of intoxication, cursing and swearing, and making a great noise. he pleaded guilty, and said he was very sorry for it. He hoped that his honour would deal leniently with him, and he endeavour never to come before the court again. Bailie Young said it was a very good resolution if would just keep it, but he had a bad record, having been convicted 26 times since 1876. he seemed, however, to have been improving of late, so that the fine would be of &s 6d, or seven days imprisonment. Bailie Young said there had been a great deal too much swearing in the streets of late, which was a very bad example to boys, and he thought something should be done to put it down. The prosecutor said there seemed to be a swearing competition just now.’
Posted by: Rachel
