WELCOME NEWS.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume VI, Issue 526, 29 July 1881, Page 3

WELCOME NEWS.

By Pabmenas Mix,

He had sat for an hour with bis pencil in While his thoughts had run rapidly over the land In search of some news worth relating; But in spite of his pulling and twisting lub And his finger tattoo on the spot that wae W till waiting. Tim luietr.r.n was mad anJ his feature 8 were glum, But the typos were rather inclined to keep " mum," As they'd no inclination to labor ; And had much rather "loaf" or indulge in a game, Than decipher the hieroglyphics that came From the scribe's ineligible Faber. While the editor still was engaged in his search For an item, a deacon of Fiddletown Church Stepped into the eancium sanctorum ; And seating himself in the editor's chair, Which was offered with true Cheatcrfieldian air, Said, he'd brought some intelligence for him. " I'm glad V said the writer, as once more ho pressed The rod, horny hand of his news-bearing guest— " You have made cue your debtor for ever ; If you've no. objection we'll etep to the street And indulge in a toddy, and may bo repeat — You will say that you ne'er tasted better."

Returning, well toddied, from Smitherton's bar, Each smoking a fragrant Havana cigar, Which had taken the writer's last quarter, The deacon was urged to unburden his brain Of any chance news it might chance to contain— To act in the role of reporter. The guest settled lazily back in his seat And burdened the desk with his sizcible teet, Which bore traces of rosin and tallow; Then, pocketing half of the editor's twist, He said while a smile of real vanity kitted His countenance furrowed and sallow " Just print in your paper that Deacon Van Bjike, Who resides in his mansion on Nickleby's pike, And his wife, let me ccc how she told me— Well, say that niyaelf and my popular wife, Who's the workingeet women that ever had life, Are the parents of twins! Glory ! ■ Hold me!" — Detroit Free Preen.