Correcting the Press.

Cromwell Argus, Volume V, Issue 241, 23 June 1874, Page 7

Correcting the Press.

I should like it to be distinctly understood, before going any further into this matter, that my name is Algernon Percival Higgins. Presently, perhaps, you may get a little confused ; it is, therefore, as well to start fair. That’s my name, and I am perfectly satisfied with it, if 1 may be allowed to enjoy it intact, , . 1 live at Slocum Podger, and have done a great deal for the place. Among other things I have been chiefly instrumental in starting the local journal. The local journal does not absolutely pay expenses at the present moment, and we have to economise as much as possible. The editor sets up his own articles, and the sub. takes down the shutters, and takes the copies round to the subscribers, and also sweeps out the shop when not otherwise occupied. Persons in the town wishing to say anything about their goods, send what they would like to put in in their own words, and we have also an occasional reporter for gigantic gooseberries, and other exciting events. It Was this man who did me the first injury. There had been an important public meeting in reference to the renovation of the parish pump, at which I spoke at some length, and the circumstance was reported : “ And a Mr Higgins seconded the motion.” I am not easily annoyed, hut I felt that “ a”‘very deeply, and went dow r n to the editor and gave him a bit of my mind. He was in Iris shirt sleeves setting up the “ Poets’ Corner” when I called, and he said he was very sorry, but it was a blunder of the sub.’s, and showed me the rough proof, which ran thus : “And Mr a. Higgins seconded the motion.” “It is only the “a” that has got transposed,” said he. “ However, I’ll put the line in next week, and explain.” There was an unsteadiness about the editor’s gait, and a huskiness about his tones, which compelled me to think that he had befen taking something rather strong. An all-pervading-odour of rum heightened this impression.. 'Next' week this explanation appeared : “In our last number, by an error of the Press, we spoke or our valued townsman as a 'Mr Higgins. We need, not inform our readers which Mr Higgins wo, meant; there is only one Hig in Slocum Podger.” 1 went down to’the office boiling over, and found the sub. in charge, cleaning the window's. He said he was very sorry indeed, but the “ gins” had accidentally fallen out. He added that the affair should be made straight next week. Next week I opened the paper eagerly, and read thus :—“A series of most unfortunate typographical errors has occasioned much pain and annoyance to a valued townsman, Mr H. Piggins. ,We are extremely sorry that they should have occurred, but trust that he will overlook our misdeeds in his well-known generous sty." I very naturally foamed at the month on reading this, and took a thick stick with me to the office. The sub. was there, polishing the door-plate. He said it was only the “ II” had got before the.“ P,” and that there ought to have been aa “le” at the end of the “ sty,” and then it would have been all right. I asked him how T ho Would like to be called a Piggins in a sty, and he said he would speak to the editor when he came in, hut that he was round the corner at that minute having a glass of something with an advertiser. Next week this appeared : —“ Erratum.— In our last number, at the bottom of the third column, page. 2, for Pig read Hog. We again express our regrets to Mr Piggins, but it would seem that what cannot be cured must be endured.” 1 went down to the office gnashing my teeth, and tore my hair out, a lot at a time,.all over the cases. The editor had gone out to get change of a shilling, but I waited for-him, and took him by the throat when he came in. He said, as soon .as he could speak, “ I think the very deuce has got into the machinery ; but here you are ! Say any mortal thing you like, and set it up yourself. Will that please you ? I am not accustomed to set up type, and my eyesight is not so good as it used to be. Besides I was much agitated, and shook a good deal. The result was as follows : yRm Ot EzurnLj njjmuchNw mouregL laxicreP sngggvH™ref eht ylserg Ignoßynt sekatims ewe Rah Ei>aM. I’ only learnt afterwards that I ought to have spelt the words backwards. The editor, however, said he thought I particularly wanted it done the other way, and so he did not interfere. Some of the subscribers thought it was a foreign language, and some that it was an advertisement of a Christmas Annual, but the gross insults I had suffered were never apologised for in a more intelligible manner, and 1. am called Piggins in a sty to this hour. I suppose I can obtain no redress.