1937-04-27 — Page 19

*

THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH. TUESDAY, APRIL

1937.

"COLONEL BARKER" IN LIMELIGHT

Latest Exploit in Career of Masquerade

O

NCE more, as the result of her Intest escapade in change

of identity, a woman-none other than the one-time debonair. "Colonel Barker"-has come into the limelight, and the story of her long and amazing masquerade as a man has been unfolded.

In the adventure which Innded her in the dock at Marl- borough-street she adopted the role of "manservant," and it was revealed that in her varied career she

Had played male parts in a repertory company; Joined a cricket club and ridden to hounds; Worked as a kennelman, poultryman, and chef; and

At one period graced the office of reception clerk at a popular West-end hotel.

Having, discarded the man's cloth | By this man she has two children, ing she was wearing when arrested, a boy born in 1920 and a girl born the central figure In the police-court in 1021. recital of sex personation,

Valerie Arkell-Smilli, 42, of Graf- tonplace, Euston-square, N. W was attired in a man's blue over- coat, with a woman's dark felt hat and a brown tweed skirt, when she faced the magistrate, Mr. J. B. Sand- bach,

K.G., for the second time. She had stolen five £1 notes from Mrs. Adrian Scott, of George-street, Hanover-square, who had employed

In June, 1019, they went to Paris to live, and remained there until the end of 1920, when they returned to England, and ran a form at Bailiff's Cotirt, near Litulchampion.

WEDDING CEREMONY MANY PRESENTS AND VISITS TO THEATRES

In October, 1923, Mrs. Arkell-

her in the belief that she was a man. Smith parted from Pearce Crouch,

This is how she came to secure the post.

Mrs. Scott inserted an advertise- ment in provincial paper for a mauservant, to which Arkell-Smith replied from Haslemere.

She said she had always been in private service, except for two jobs, and was a good cook, and had had experience as a chef.

She had been right through her father's hotel, and understood valet. ing, house work, and buying.

left Bail's Court and went to Brigh- ton.

Then came the most astounding exploit of all.

ne-

Mrs. Arkell-Smith resumed quaintanceship with Miss Alfreda Emma Haward, daughter of a Little- hampton chemist.

"SC"

fler lover, as Arkell-Smith then was, gave her many presents, and took her to concerts and theatres. proposed to her, and in November, 1923, in the name of Vic- tor Barker, married Miss Haward at St. Peter's Church, Brighton.

She wished to make a change and to go to London, where she had This "morringe" was the beginning friends.

of Mrs. Arkell-Smith's

The application further stated: "I am 42 and a widower, and if you decide to engage me I will give you good and faithful service to the best of my ability," Arkell-Smith secured the job, and it was readily admitted that before her lapse she had given excellent service and every sailsfaction.

her

SECRET REASON Arkell-Smith had, according to legal representative, a reason for her masquerade, but she did not propose at that moment to divulge why she persistently word man's attire.

which lasted for six years, and was

only exposed by her conviction at the Old Bailey on a charge of making

attacking

Women played a prominent part in the U. S. strikes. The photograph shows a wornan strike-breakers, at the famous Chevrolet plant. This dramatic scene is an indication of the bitterness per- vading America's Industrial areas.

TRIPS ON JUMP · FROM TRAM -

NEW WOOD OIL COMPETITION?

YOUTH CONSIDERED IN BIG CORPORATION MAY

GRAVE CONDITION

when

a false statement in a marriage re- A sixteen-year-old boy, Wong Yul, gister.

is lying unconscious in the 'Govern- Soon after her "marriage" to Missment Civil Hospital through attempt- Inward, Mrs. Arkeli-Smith became a ing to jump off a tram whilst the member of the Brighton Repertory vehicle was in motion. Company, at salary of 10s. a week, playing male parts.

The incident occurred near Morri- She was known as Ivor Gaunt-son Street. The tram was rounding lett, and as such obtained a job curve when the youth attempted to in Mrs. Pat Campbell's company. Jump off. He fell violently on his

unconscious She took part in several plays, in-hend, and was cluding "The Second Mrs. Tanquer-picked up. He is stated to be suffer ay," and toured the country,

a ing from concussion, and is in After a time Mrs. Arkell-Smith (serious condition. and her "wife" went to Andover, where she conducted an antique business under the name of "Capt. months in the second division for Barker," While there she joined the making a false statement in a mar- you agree to try to get some local cricket club, and rode to riage register. more honest work and do it as a hounds.

4 not masquerading as woman,

magistrale told Arkell- man," the Smith, "I have no doubt Mrs. Stor- mant (the probation pilicer) will do her best to help you."

The magistrate made I clear that ho was concerned only with the

charge against Arkell-Smith, heft Ched a 503, and ordered her

to pay £5 costs to Mrs. Scott.

MEETING AT INN

THEN MARRIAGE AND BLIGHTED ROMANCE

į

in December, 1925, she posed as "Sir, Victor Barker, Bart., using visiting cards in that name.

She incurred

From February to July, 1932, she was employed as a representative

and salesman by a firm of motor-car debt for £40 for agents at Acton Vale, and was male clothing, and was sued.

looked upon as a competent sules- The defence was that 12 months' man, credit was to be given.

Early in 1026 she obtained a post-

tions as manager of a farm near Uck-

feld.

After a short time she left, and she and Misa Haward parted

Early in 1034 she occupied a fint at Regent's Park with what were con-

sidered to be her wife and child. KENNELMAN AND POULTRYMAN The main part of the astounding life story of Mrs. Arkell-Smith was

About the beginning of 1927 as Sho told to the magistrate by Det-sergt.

left suddenly, owing about Victor Barker, D.S.O.," she £70 to local tradesmen. David Smith.

Arkell-9mith's correct name is became associated with the then-The same year,"in""""JolaTMIII!!,”* Valeric Arkell-Smith, National Fascist movement at Ken- she was employed as a kennelman Lillies Irma and she was born at St. Clements, sington.

Was

Thomas

"Capt.

wore

She

the uniform, also Jersey, on Aug, 27, 1895.

Her father

Mr.

military medals, and was for some William Barker, a sportsman of in- time secretary to one of the prin- dependent means.

cipals

It is not clear how long she was

She came to England with her parents, and they took up residence associated with this movement, but at Milford, near Godalming, Surrey, after a raid on their headquarters at She received an excellent educa- Hogarth-road, she was summoned by tion, and for two years was at a the police for offences under convent school, at Enghien near Firearms Act. Brussels.

While there she is supposed to

LED INTO THE DOCK

the

as Henfeld, and also as a poultry- man at Woodmancote, West Sussex, but was dismissed as unsaliafactory in both cases.

She also worked as a chef at Dork- ing and Newquay hotels.

She next went to Camden Town, posed as "Sir John Hill," and walked with a stick, saying she had a war wound in the leg.

In conclusion, Sergi. Smith

ENTER MARKET

London, Apr. 20. The China Vegetable Oil Corporu- tion was the subject of a question in the House of Commons to-day by Mr. A. E. F. Chorlton, Conservaŭive M.P. for the Platting Division chester.

RADIO BROADCAST

Mozart Concert from The Local Studio.

on wave-

A PIANO INTERLUDE Broadcast by Z.B.W. of Man-

lengths of 355 metres (045 k.c's.), 31.40 metres (0.52 m.c's.), In reply, Lord Cranborne, Under- 4-7 p.m. Chinese Programme. Secretary for Foreign Affairs, said ho 7-11 p.m. European Programme,

7pm. New Dance Numbers. had been kept informed by the Bri- lish Ambassador in China of the posi- Fox Trot-At the Balalaika; Quick tion of the Corporation. The con- Step-With a Banjo on my knee; iralling interest therein appeared in Blues Where the lazy river goes by practice to

to be held by the Chinese Fox Trot-I found a Rosary; Waltz Government.

such of the Corporation's policy as were-Love mo to-day; Fox Trol---A ulico the Firelight; Fox Trot

discernible at present, it appeared cup of tea; Fox Trot-I'm just be possible that it might undertake the ginning to care; Waltz-I'm still in was in a position to build up the markeling of wood oil as soon as it flove with you.

7.30 pan.

Closing local Stock necessary organisation.

Quotations and Hongkong Exchange Market Report.

in

7.35 p.m. A Light Saxophone Recital by Marcel Mule.

Replying to a further question by Mr. Chorlion, Lord Cranborne stated that

a full report from the British

"Sadko (Rimsky-Korsnicov} Ambassador on the whole question of Chanson Hindoue; Le Cygne (Saint- the Chinese law relating to registra-Saens); Variations sur Malborough tion of trade marks and the covering (arr. Combelie); La Precieuse (Cou- question of imitation of British trade peria, arr. Kreisler), Mr. Anthony Eden in the course of a marks in China was expected to reach

few days.--Reuter,

DELEGATES TO CORONATION

CHINESE PARTY'S

ITINERARY

Genoa, Apr. 26.

Mr. Chen Shao-kwan, one of the On July 11, 1927, she was charged cinred that there was no doubt Mrs. of King George VI, has left for Lon- de-Chinese delegates to the Coronation have shown tastes that were dis- ns "Capt. Barker," at the Old Balley, Arkell-Smith had done considerable don vià Paris. tinctly masculine, and shocked the on two indictments for uttering a nuns by dressing up as a boy, smok-forged document with intent to de- work as a male servant.

Dr. 1. H. Kung, the head of the ing, and playing many pranks.

celve, and with intent to defraud. "Drink is the probable cause of delegation, is expected to leave for Her schooldays over, young Valerie

She was found not guilty and dis- her downfall so far as dishonesty is Vienna und Progue to-morrow. as she then was returned to Mil-

| concerned," the officer observed. ford, and became a scoutmistress, in

"On the occasion she had her eyes bandaged and was led into the dock by a friend, who stated that Barker" had previously

the 1st Gud Troop.

Der Miss

Even now villagers of Milford Barker да a tomboy," Then war broke out and Miss Barker, as Sergt. Smith pointed out, is believed to have taken up V.A.D. nursing, but no record of such ser- vice can be traced,

She was for some time nursing at St. Hilder's Hospital, Haslemere, Surrey.

charged.

"Capt.

suffered from temporary blindness

Owing

to war wounds, and had

been warned that any strain on ere trouble.

Reuter.

7.40 p.m. The London Novelty Orchestra.

Dream of Autumn (Joyce); Choris- ters' Waltz (Phelps): Neapolitan Nights (Zameenik); The Midnight Waltz (Amodio).

8 pm. Local: Time Signal, Wea- · ther Report and Announcements.

8.03 p.m. From the Studio, A Mozart Recital.

by Eva Turner (soprano); William Knight (base) and Lindsay A, Lafford (planoforte).

.Programme.

1. A Talk; 2. Soprano Solos- "The Marrloge of Figaro"-Whither

what vanished, I forget

am: 3, Ah! Cruel till Duct The Marriage of Figaro"

now; 4. Pianoforte The 1st movement · (Allegro) from Sonata No. XVI in C Major; 5. Bass Solos "I Seraglio"-When a maiden takes your fancy; "Marriage Figaro" So, Sir Paget; 8. Ducts- (Continued on Next Column.)

THIS MORNING'S POSTBAG

of

hls nerves would again bring on "DISENFRANCHISED" com such of Light & Power. long to the British Prapure, and which

of

The authorities at Home are ap- reverts. to China the

Genuine

PANAMA

•Hats

in two popular styles, one as

illustration, the other in the popular "pork ple" shape.

All sizes in stock

$27.50 each

Lean 10% cash.diecount

MACKINTOSH'S LTD.

MEN'S WEAR SPECIALISTS

CORONATION LANTERNS

as approved by the Committee

British Materials

Chinese Silk

50 cts., 60 cts. & $5 Special Quotations for Quantities

ORDER NOW before May 4th

Samples can be seen by phoning 30103

or writing P. O. Box 511

To satisfy a woman's idea of beauty and a man's idea of comfort·

ARTS & CRAFTS

FOR

FURNISHING FABRICS

WINDOW "DRAPERIES AND LOOSE COVERS FOR. SPRING RENOVATIONS

COLOUR AND DESIGN. ARE TASTEFULLY. MERGED

2

QUALITY IS INHERENT

ONLY TO

FEEL THESE LOVELY FABRICS IS TO RECOGNISE AT ONCE JUST HOW

GOOD THEY ARE.

WE ARE WAITING FOR YOU. TO. "DISCOVER". HOW PROFITABLE THEY ARE.

SHOWROOMS AND FACTORY

734, King's Road, North Point, Telephone No. 24173.

would find plenty of sup- Soon after this her brother died, port if he commenced an agita-parently not satisfied with the posi-pires. It is hardly likely that China leaving her about £1,000.

tion for representation of the Colonial Office is coming out under for the New Territories, especially as tion here, for a Principal from the will consent to a renewal of the lense She took a flat in Hertford-street, people on the Legislative Coun- the file of Colonial Treasurer W., and lived there some time with eil. "She was also employed in varl- an actress as mon and wife became electing Unofficial Members is a sit port, with no staple industries, and

The present system Financial Secretary. He may realise source of wealth with the discovery the area has become such a potential and the | ous other ways during the war,

In January, 1928.

that Hongkong is nothing but a tran- of valuable minerals.

"Don Giovanni"-Now join thy hand Fear (baritone) with the Coliseum including service at a

remount "Colonel Barker," and from May un- farce and they are no more re-if the place is taxed much heavier tish part of the Colony

What is going to happen to the Bri- with mine; The Mogic Flute-The Theatre Orchestra. depot, but she did not remain very til September ran a cafe.

when the

Manly Heart.. presentative of the people than the transit trade

10.15 p.m. London-Big long anywhere.

will go elsewhere New Territories revert to

"Medea" -Overture are the Official members.

China,

8.35 p.m. then it will not be necessary to sub- We will have

(Cherubini) an enormous popula

played by The Milan World Affairs." A talk by H. Wick- scribe 20 per cent. for protection.

Symphony Orchestra, conducted by ham Steed. SIMPLE PETER,

tion, concentrated in Kowloon and on the Island, and will have to rely upon

Lorenzo Molajoli.

10.30 p.m. Variety. the goodwill of China for our water 8.45 p.m. London-Crowning the supply. Or has Brilain the option of King 2. A talk by Owen F. Mors- renewing the lease for an indefinite

head, D.A.0., M.V.o., M.C., (Librarian rance: Orchestra-Alice Blue Gown to His Majesty King George VI).

Then came her first taste of ro-

manice,

One night in January, 1918, at the Old Dickens Inn at Cobham, she met her husband, and in the spring of that year they were married.

The ceremony took place at St.

The venture was not a success, and eventually resulted in bank- ruptcy proceedings.

WHEN TIPSTAFF

CALLED

John's Church, Milford, and the DISCLOSURE THAT ASTONISHED bridegroom

was Harold Arkell-}· Smith, 30, described as a bachelor,

GAOL GOVERNOR

Agitation for a reform of the Legis- lative Council is long overdue. A lead should come, however, from the Girl Versus Boy Kowloon Residents'

or

Association some similar body, and not from let-

.

ters to the Editor of a newspaper. Poor Mr. Bachelor. Because the period?"

Hongkong girl prefers paint and real service to the whole community powder to petting, finger nails to dirt-

The KRA. would be performing a

▼

and a second-lieutenant in the 20th querade as a man was exposed. She

It was not until 1920 that her mas- if they would take up this question. Ing and has slapped his face, she is NO VOTE, NO TAXATION. alousy" lover. Perhaps if Mr. Bn. Australian Forces.

Bachelor used more technique, and was then employed as a reception They went to live at Hook, car clerk at a West-end hotel.

bchaved like a MAN instead of on Surbiton, and later to London, but,

20th April, 1937. Insufferable, concelled ass, the Hong- One day the tipstaff walked in, like many other war-time unions, and his business was in connection chised," in Saturday's issue strikes the The pity is that there's not one or Your correspondent, "Disenfran- kong Girl wouldn't be what she is. the marriage was doomed to failure. with "Capt.

regarding a re- right note when he says that what the two decent clubs in Hongkong where pt, Barker RETURNED TO PARENTS

ceiving order.

Colony needs is less expenditure, not women can get away from the un- "Capt. Barker" was taken to Brix-more taxation.

There is a lot of wanted attentions Within six weeks the bride had ton Gaol, where "he" was handed work, to be done, but Government's and his like. returned to her parents, and Lieut. over to a warder.

plea

io "no tunds" Yet the unor Arkell-Smith went out of her life

"Capt. Barker ductive staff remains. Take, for in- altogether he returned to Sydney,

I asked to see. the pron governor stance, the Portmant Depart- Australia.

privately. To that astonished in ment, formed in an efficient N.T. Lease dividual the so-called captain, re-body of men, but they have Very

After the war. Mrs. Arkell-Smith

Onco Inside,

Опсо

unpro-

T. M. W.

*New Territories were leared to Britain for 99 years in 1608. No option for renewal is mentioned in the Agreement, and no provision has been made for payment of compensation by China for im provements at termination of lease in 60 years time.

of Mr. Bachelor-

Film Bet

Miss SPINSTER." ·

A

FRIEND argues that he saw "The Last of Mrs. Cheyney" over three years ago. I noticed that the film at the King's Theatre was made in 1930, but he sinaisis that he

argument.

joined a woman friend in running a veated that "ho" was a woman. lille to do. To overcome part of

was transferred, to | their difficulties two afucials from SN'T the Hongkong Government has seen it before. Can you setile the

ion stop In Warminster, and it was

"Capt Barker"

015 pursuing a dangerous polley in thero she met Ernest Pearce Crouch, Holloway Gaol, and after an applica- Department go on Home leave at the concentrating in the New Territories then, an Australian soldier.

tion in chambers at the Bankruptcy same time. Water supply, with un-all its activities on providing a suffl- They came to London, and lived Court was releared...

limited staff and unlimited funds: cleat water supply for Hongkong?

יו.

BET I'M RIGHT He wins. Norma Shearer, up- peared in carller M.G.M. edition of "Last of Mrs. Cheyney In 1933. Current production is a new film,

· together as man and wife, she In April of that year she was this appears to be too great a task We are spending millions of dollars Pearce sentenced at the Old Balley to nine for Government, It should therefore in building giant reservoirs. In a part

be in the bands of a, business con-of the world that doesn't netually be- |*- with new stars,

Belog

Crotch.

known

AB

Mrs.

(Continued on Next Column.)

Ben.

Vocal Sally Horner...Brian Law-

Guy Lombardo and His Royal 。

p.m.

Alfredo and His Or. Canadians; Vocal-Why do you pass Castanets me by...Jean Sablon; chestra.

Solo-La

La Corrida.... "La Argentina": In Gypsy Land (arr. Michaelof!) Vocal-Gone Lesile Hutchinson;: Yiddische Wedding Fantasia (arr. Instrumental--Arlo con variazioni. Michaeloff); Tell me Again (Gronz); Mario Maccaferri (Guitar); Vocal Russian Gipsy Sketch (Ferraris).. --If you pretend you're blue. Mur- 9.15 p.m. From the Studio. Ingatroyd and Winterbottom; Organ terlude at the Piano by Doreen Solo--Love in - Bloom, ~/...Sidney. Ma.

Torch; Vocal-Head over heels In 1. Harlem; 2. "Street Scene" love... Lil Palmer. Morning: 3. A rhyme for love; 4.

11 p.m. Close Down. Who's ofraid of love? 5. Goodnight,| My Love.

0.30 p.m. London-News and An nouncements.

9.55 p.m. Suite for Flute, Vio. lin, Viola, Violoncello and Harp, Op. 91. (D'Indy), played by Quin- totta Instrumental de Paris

Entreo on sonnte - Alr desict; c. Sarabande; d. Farandole, varice.

... Song-Casenova": 10.12 p.m. The Memory of a Kiss; by Arthur

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Gestetner

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