What Might Have Been?

Hutt News, Volume 6, Issue 6, 17 June 1927, Page 6

What Might Have Been?

(Contributed.) It was a perfect summer's day, and as I strolled towards the Pipe Bridge I noticed a corpulant individual leaning on the railing. We entered into conversation, and upon my remarking on the faint odour wafted by the northerly breeze, he said: "Well, you can't have it both ways." "But don't get annoyed," I said. "It must be that big works down there." "Yes,"' he said, "I made that place what it is and it has made me." All signs of annoyance vanished from his fond face and triple chin. "You know, about four years ago there was quite a rumpus over Gear Island, but I stepped in and offered the board a sum which took their breaths away; and they were glad to get rid of the place, and the responsibility which worried them. You see that German sausage skin factory down there!" I nodded, as I did not want to get another mouthful. "Well," he continued, "they paid me nearly as much for their half as I paid for the lot." "Remarkable," I blurted out. He continued: "And then that Tannery company up there by the railway bridge wanted the rest. But I saved a strip between the two and ran up those workers' homes, and am drawing two quid a week each for them." "You laid them out pretty close," didn't you?" "Oh, yes, I didn't waste any money on architects or them town-planners. I know my own business best." "I should think so," I murmured—and then I woke up. "What makes yqu so restless, Jack?" "Oh! nothing, I suppose; perhaps it was the late supper. That luncheon sausage does not seem to lie well."