MISAPPREHENSION

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 155, 3 May 1940, Page 5

MISAPPREHENSION

GISBORNE GIVEN AS HOME OF GAOL OLD BOYS SOCIETY , AUSTRALIAN PAPER'S STORY The story of a Gisborne "Gaol Old Boys' Association" composed of motorists who had served gaol sentences for being drunk in charge ,was quoted recently when it was pointed out to be the result of the overactive imagination of an Australian .journalist.; Now the story has reached London and some New Zealand visitors there vwere astonished to read the following paragraph in the London Evening News: "Motorists who have serv•ed gaol sentences at Gisborne, New 'Zealand, for being drunk in charge, ■are to form a Gaol Old Association. They have designed an 'old school tie' with a broad arrow pattern. 'For we are jolly good felons' is suggested a:; the association's motto." The paragraph is complete with an artist's conception cf the broad arrow tie. The story already has been dealt with in a local newspaper. Its -reappearance in a London paper may afford fresh amusement to Gisborne residents who are still puzzled why this town should have been chosen ;.as the background for the myth. Attempts Avere made to trace the origin of the story, but while the Australian newspaper concerned was most courteous and apologetic,, all that could be learned was that the item had first appeared in a Sydney newspaper which was unable to exits source.