Sir Robert Stout and his Colleague in Danger

Feilding Star, Volume VIII, Issue 37, 7 September 1886, Page 4

Sir Robert Stout and his Colleague in Danger

v Mercutio," of the New Zealand - Herald, is responsible for the following details : — A comical incident occurred in Wellington some time ago, of whicb no mention has yet been made iv the public priufr-. As the Premier and the Defence Minister were taking a constitutional along Laiubton Quay in the early h >urs of the morning, after a late sitting of the House, they discovered that a jeweller's shop was on fire. Hurrying along to give the alarm they met some tipsy sailors, and appealed to them for assistance. The jolly Jacks thinking the " swell cuvies" were having a lark with them began some capers on their own accuunt, and before the two Ministers knew what was what, they were involved in a noisy street brawl. Presently an intelligent vl mimber of the i oorce" showed up. Of course, he took in the situation at a glance. The two swell covies had been indulging too lively,. and had come out to smash street lamps, wrench knockers off doors, and other-wise amuse themslvcs after the usual fashion of repectability on the spree. He assumed his sternest aspect. " Look here," he said, addressing Sir Robert and Mr Ballance, " this won't d». Can't have any of your skylarking, you know ; so clear ofl home, or I'll run you in !" The Ministerial couple were dumbfoundered. Mr Ballance was the first to recover. " You impertinent fellow," said he, "do you know whom you are addressing ?" "Of course I does," replied Policeman X, with the greatest nonchalance, "the Dook o' Thorn don or p'rhaps yur the blooming Governor himself, with yur pal, the Prime Minister, Oh, yes, I know you ; so off you go, and no humbug" ; and, giving the pair a constabulary push, he sent them nearly sprawling on their faces in the mud. At this moment the sergeant came along. He recognised the two Ministers, and, to his confrere's astonishment, saluted them. "Send that officer's name to me in the morning," said Mr Ballance. " Certainly, &ir," replied the sergeant, with another salute. Then the Ministers, without another word, completely forgetful of the fire, marched away. " I wondt r what he wants with your name," said the sergeant ; " perhaps you are to be mide an inspector or a forest conservator." "I say, sergeant, who the devil are they ?" asked Policeman X, " Don't you know ?" " No.' ' " Why, that's Stout and Ballance !" " Whew ! Then I'm off to Kimberley." And he went. \