Despite the argument about the price of his prawns, this fishmonger does sound quite jolly. The title of the piece refers to the iconic ‘Skegness is so bracing‘ poster, featuring a fisherman skipping down the beach.
A NEW “JOLLY FISHERMAN”
‘POLICE COURT SEQUEL TO ARGUMENT OVER PRAWNS.
Skegness police court was convulsed with laughter on Tuesday, throughout the hearing of a charge against Edward Evison, a Skegness fishmonger for using obscene language.
P.c. Mapleson said defendant was having and argument with a man concerning some prawns, and used very bad language.
Defendant: What did I say, for I’m blowed if I can remember?
On the constable’s report being read to himn, defendant commented: “I should think it’s about right. It’s about what I should say when I was telling anybody off.”
The Chairmamn: Why don’t you keep your mouth clean, Evison?
Defendant: I ought to, sir; I keep having it washed well.
In excuse for his linguistic display, Evison said the other man started “slavering” about the price of his prawns, and so he gave him some “chin wag” back.
On being told that the fine would be 10s., defendant exclaimed, “What again? Why, that’s more than I’ve took this morning. I shall have to get off and get shut of something quick.’
Stamford Mercury, 24th June, 1927.