VISITING AUSTRALIA

Hokitika Guardian, 6 May 1927, Page 1

VISITING AUSTRALIA

News has been received that Mr J. A. Murdoch is having a good time in Australia. He has visited Sydney. Melbourne and bis birthplace Adelaide, and by last accounts lie was waiting for the opening of Canberra to which ho was going if be could possibly book rooms. In Sydney be was staying at “ The Wentworth Hotel,” but owing to the Show, the races, and the visit of the Duke of York lie was obliged to shift into the “ Hotel Australia.” He says bis time lias been fully occupied seeing the sights and visiting the beautiful spots around Sydney. He was glad to say that bis old friend. Mr James Burns, who bad placed the first dredge, on the Rimu Flat, was looking well. Naturally lie lias seen a good deal’ of Mr Burns who is well known in Sydney. He also has had several interviews with Mr Hopkins the celebrated cartoonist on the stall of the “ Bulletin.” who, bo says, is SI

years of age, but proposes to visit Westland to see the Franz Joseph Glacier. He is an enthusiastic bowler and purposes trying a bout with some of our professionals. Mr .Murdoch says a New Zealand paper is very hard to get in Sydney. He also retails a story lie heard of Mr M. L. Moss, who was once in partnership with Mr J. R. Lewis in Hokitika, and the story related is as follows: I’ilkington. a man of 6ft. Jins, in height was the chief opponent that Moss had at the Bar on one occasion. Pilkington was addressing the Court when Moss interrupted him, Pilkington sat down, but even in his chair seemed tailor than Moss, who was standing up proceeding with liis interruption. The Judge said: “Mr Pill tington, please sit down while Mr Moss is addressing me.” Pilkington retorted: “I am sitting down, your Honour.” 'flic Judge Mien turned to Mr Moss and said: “Please stand up while you are addressing me.” Mr Moss retorted: “ T am standing up. Your Honour.” The Judge said : “ Mr Pilk ingtoii standing, Mr .Moss, is a lugger man sitting down than you are standing up.” Mr Moss hotly retorted that Mr Pilkington reminded 1 1 ini of a Jack-in-the-box. and Mr Pilkington retorted that lie was reminded of a Jack-ont-of-tlic-hox. Mr Murdoch was to attend a luncheon given by the Millions Club in Sydney to Mr Bruce (Prime Minister) to whom he had several letters of introduction. Altogether he appears to bo enjoying himself very thoroughly but bones to be home soon.