Stiffy's skinning
From Mr David Roberts Sir: Andrew Roberts (The dog didn't do it', 28 April) refers to Stiffy Byng's unfortunate run-in with PC Eustace Oates. As recorded in The Code of the Woosters, her Aberdeen terrier bit the constable's ankle, causing him to fall off his bike. Roberts reminds us that PC Oates threatened to issue summons but, no doubt because his helmet was stolen (on Stiffy's orders) shortly thereafter, never got round to it. What he does not mention is that, according to Stiffy, Oates had summonsed her twice before — 'once for exceeding the speed-limit in a built-up area' and once because Bartholomew gave him 'the teeniest little nip on the ankle'.
The situation was complicated as the magistrate before whom she appeared was her Uncle Watkyn who, Stiffy says, did not understand the ABC of justice and soaked her knowing exactly how much her purse would stand.
It would therefore seem that, despite what Andrew Roberts says, the forces of law and order were just as 'hysterical' in 1938 as they are now. One's only comfort is to feel that perhaps Robin Birley could better afford the £10,000 the case cost him than Stiffy, who twice that year had been 'skinned to the bone'.
David Roberts
London NW1
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