In a case at Watford Police Court on Tuesday, in which a man was summoned for begging, a constable said he saw the man endeavouring to play a violin in Watford High Street. Asked by the magistrates' clerk if the defendant was playing any tune, the constable replied: "No, sir; he was just sawing his bow backwards and forwards."

This made the defendant quite indignant. He exclaimed that he was playing a Bach selection and offered to give an example of his musicianship.

The Chairman (Mr A. W. Wiggs), turning to the other magistrates on the bench, asked: "I don't know whether you would like to hear it?" The offer was declined and the defendant fined 5s.

[From the Watford Observer of April 14, 1934]