OLD MAN’S INGRATITUDE

Gisborne Times, Volume XXII, Issue 1733, 26 April 1906, Page 2

OLD MAN’S INGRATITUDE

SUES HIS BENEFACTORS. Christchurch. A little oomedy in ingratitude laid in ihe sylvan retreats of Little River, near Banks’ Peninsula, has just been onacted It appears that Jameß Kelly, who draws the old ago peDEion, was living alone in a hut when it was burnt to the ground a little while ago, leaving the old man homeless and unsheltered. The warm sympathy of tbe community wont out to him. A meeting was held, a committee appointed, and it was decided to collect subFCriptions for tho purpose of putting another roof over tbe old man’s head. A settler named Joblin had tho work of collection in hand, and £25 was raieed to provide funds to make the place comfortable. A ooncert wa3 organised, and this brought in a further £lO, another settler named AitkeD, being the treasurer. Having raised the means to pay tbe builder, a site on a reserve was secured, and tbe bouse was soon put up ; a cosy matchlined orib, much superior to its predecessor. Then came the question of fur* nishiDg. Kelly made out a list of his requirements, and these were duly obtained, including playing oards for the old man to while away the tedium of longdrawn winter nights. All was ready for tbe home-coming now, and the oommitter, glowing with tbe consciousness of a good deed done, waited on tbe pensioner, and prepared to iristal him in his brand new domioile. Then came the bolt from the blue. lustead of tbankiog bis benefactors fur preserving his gray hairs from tbe winder winds, Kelly turned on them, rejected tbeir nice new house and all its household goods, end demanded payment of the £35 which had been ooliooted. It had been subscribed for him (he said), and he wanted the cash, not tbieir “ old house.” Of course, the subscribers were speechless with indignant surprise. Tho money had been collected to build a house, and tho destined owner had tßken a lively interest, suggesting tbe site and tbe furniture. Kelly, however, was not joking. Ho carried his grievance into Court, and sued Joblin for the £25 collected, and Aitken for the £lO Dftted from the concert. Tho.case was heard at Little River, when tho facts came out as related above. Tho magistrate made short work of tho oase. He gave a verdict for the defendants, and expressed surprise at the lack of gratitude displayed by the plaintiff.