AN UNKIND KINDNESS.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 816, 13 May 1910, Page 6

AN UNKIND KINDNESS.

STORY OF A CASE ,OF ORANGES, Rongo was a Rarotongan, and 7/hen h», sent a case of oranges to a friend in Wellington he meant" naught but good. In his simple untutored mind he pictured his friend boarding the steamer at Weir lington, shouldering the box of golden fruit, and bearing it away to his home. He know not the subtle ways of his white, brother, nor kenned he what time and; trouble his little gift would cost his friend over the water. With a recol-, lection of good deeds gratefully remem-i bered, Rongo shipped the oranges on the good ship Mokoia, rubbing his dusky hands with. Rarotongan glee as he saw her red funnel disappear over the ■ burnished horizon at the close of day. Let. this be said of him—he knew not. Yet the friend was troubled in spirit, sore of foot, and without his fruit at the close of yesterday. But what of that?— had he not a file of papers, having a more or less direct roference to a case of oranges which would amply furnish the "properties" in a stage scene-representing-a manufacturer's agent's office. Weary slul heavy laden, with a furrowed brow, and dragging footsteps, he at length con- , ceived the notion.of advancing on a news-. paper office. "That's about a case of oranges which. I haven't got yot," said he as he dropped; the documentary evidence of the truth of liis statement on to a table with a dull thud. . . "See now, he explained. \Eere M Rongo's letter to me telling that he hae shipped me a case of oranges. Here is the boat note—mark XX. Thafs all; right. Now, here are the charges, Ss. 6d.: freight, charges 3d.—that pink paper, and here is the delivery note—this wlite one.So far so good. "This long paper with' the coat-oN arms on the roof is the document for-' warded by the Fruit Inspector at Rarotonga—that's the fumigation certificatenil in order; and, over again, this is a certificate issued at the Islands Under 'The Orchard and Garden Diseases Act, 1908.' Such is the law!

"With tlieje I fancied I could claim: my oranges, but that was foolish fanoyFrom the Customs I- received these. Look! This one I present'to , the-Tide Waiter—as distinct from me the tired waiter. This one is to go to the Collector of Customs, who is no end Worried by my Roneo's gift. Still another; yes, here it is—for the Landing Waiter, and 'this to tho Landing Surveyor." Then yon got your fruit? ■ _ "No. I have to see the Fruit Inspector to-morrow morning, interview fte Harbour Board officials to pay wharfage, and then !"

Well, then ? , „ "What a fool I've been! I wonder a those oranges are rotten!"