IT was an expensive pint of milk – and not for the customer. A furious Alfred Harbert stormed out of court, slamming local justice following a commotion with his horse and cart near the town centre in Southampton.

Harbert had been summoned in 1914 under a little-known regulation of causing an obstruction in New Road by being at such a distance from the animal that he could not exercise proper control over it.

PC James Mack described how he was travelling on the morning tram service in the direction of the Clock Tower when the animal suddenly strolled across the vehicle’s path.

“It had been left unattended and had no strap upon the wheel,” the officer said. “It strayed across the metals and there was very nearly a nasty accident. I got off the tramcar and tried to find the owner who I discovered further up the road delivering milk.”

The officer told magistrates that when he told Harbert what had happened, he retorted, ‘Well, what about it?’ “When I added that he might be reported, he said I could do anything I liked.”

Harbert, who said he had only just got off his cart to deliver the milk to a regular and elderly customer, was fined 5s with costs.

The other case concerned Sidney Collins, of Paynes Road, who had been charged with causing an obstruction in Holt Road by leaving his horse and cart unattended.

Collins admitted he had left the animal and vehicle for about 45 minutes but claimed he had been waiting to see a customer over an unpaid account. “I’m sorry I was so long but it took much longer than I thought.”

The other case of interest involved fish and chip owner George Waite who was summoned for allowing his chimney in Orchard Lane to be on fire. His wife said it was an unfortunate accident.

“A pan of oil took fire and in the blaze which followed my husband was injured and he has been under the doctor ever since.”

Readers of the Hampshire Independent were told Collins was ‘mulcted’, an old expression meaning he was ordered to pay costs.