BOYS AND PEA-RIFLES.

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2662, 6 January 1916, Page 6

BOYS AND PEA-RIFLES.

A COMPLAINT FROM NORTHLAND. Sir, —I aiu a well-bred black gentleman cat; I live quietly with kind people, who brush my coat and tail, give mo sweet milk to drink and nice things to' eat. My name is Sir James; 1 was, born on the day that Sir James Carroll was knighted. My master was pleased about the knighthood, and as I happened 'to come into notice when the news camo through, I was knighted also. My pet name is Jimmy, tho ladies call me James. lam writing to the newspapers because my master said something_ should bo said on my behalf. You see, it's like this. lam a very proper cat. I never steal, because my' food is always put on a clean plate near 3 the copper, where I can find it quite easily. 1 have a weakness for a fat mouse, but such creatures seldom call at our house. Birds often visit us, ■ and sometimes I t'akc one for breakfast, because I am an early riser. But now hear my complaint. lam sorry to say my Christmas has been - quite spoilt. A boy, a very cruel boy, hit_ me with a pea-rifle as I was enjoying a quiet nap under a shady tree. Lt is _ awful to be laid up with no appetite just when so many nice smells are coming out of the kitchen. I cannot take any food or walk round tho garden with my master, because my shoulder is very sore, and I am getting quite thin. Tills .is the third time I have been hurt with one of those nasty guns—three of my lives have been destroyed (a good cat always has nine lives), and now only six are left. The boy with tho gun is a good shot,_ excellent shot, and if he would practice on some of the dogs that live close bv, that bark all night, and keep the babies awake, I would be very grateful. Once I was quite proud of my lovely black, sliining '•oat. Now, alas, streaks of white can be seen all over me. Certainly, it is ' tlie tamest Christmas I ever remember, and now it's time to take that horrid medicine, ugh! Hoping you have had a good'time, and will caution the boys about using rifles on well-behaved cats. —I am, etc., „ .. JIM. Orangi, Kaupapa Road, Wellington.