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Hokitika Guardian, 25 February 1924, Page 1

It was outside a telephone box in one of the suburbs (relates the Auckland Star.”) A number of people had lined up. waiting for a youthful individual inside the box to finish a conversation—one which, by his gesticulations. facial expressions, and a few words which drilted out. the waiting ones presumed was addressed to a member of the fair sex. Suddenly a man came hurriedly up the street, and asked those who had lteoii waiting if he might go before them as bis baby was ill—possibly dying—and he wished to gel a doctor with all speed. These people agreed, naturally—and then he inside rang off—but, instead of stopping out-, started to scratch his head, npapreiitlv endeavouring to think of another number. The man with the sick child, who was very agitated, opened the door, apologised, but, giving bis reason, asked it he might use the instrument while the gentleman found his number. “Oh. I won't bo long 1 T won't be long!” replied the callous one. rpiite unperturbed, and continued to help his brain along by scratching bis head. Ihe other prison. who. naturally, was becoming more agitated all the time, once more almost implored the one inside to allow him to use the ’phone. "I won’t be long! I won’t be long!” was the parrot-like reply which again came forth. At last patience gave way. “No. T don't think you will be long," was the quiet answer, and before the youth realised it. lie was sprawling out in the centre of the road. Ami the crowd agreed that it was to be hoped that the man now inside had established a very good precedent.