COUNCILLORS & COATS

Hokitika Guardian, 5 August 1920, Page 1

COUNCILLORS & COATS

AN INCIDENT OF THE UPPER HOUSE.

It may be as a result of the momentous matters upon which they are called to deliberate, but for some reason or other, members of the Legislative Council have been rather unfortunate lately in regard to the misplacement of their personal property. Such trifles as hats and overcoats have been found to be temporarily missing from their accustomed pegs, and the latest happening in this direction is not without its element of humour. It is related of a recent appointee, from the sunny north, that he was in a condition of much consternation a day or two ago, when be discovered that his almost now overcoat was missing. The zeal of minions in their search was insufficient to trace tTic truant apparel, and loud was the lamentation of the councillor concerning his garment which was gone.

Hut, after all, it was only a mishap; he was not destined to lose it altogether. On that night a titled member of that august assembly went away a little early. Accosted by a fellow-mem-ber in the vestibule, be, in a mood of abstraction, put on an overcoat. The conversation finished, he took another overcoat—his own—from a pep, hung it lightly across an arm and sallied forth for home. Nearing his destination, he felt in the pocket of the overcoat he was wearing—presumably for latchkey, pocket-handkerchief, or something, but to bis amazement be drew forth—rosary beads! Hurriedly be cast from him the unwonted raiment, and speedily it was returned, without a great deal of difficulty, to its rightful owner. People who have beard the story are asking: Who were the councillors?