SIGN AS SOUVENIR

Hokitika Guardian, 17 June 1929, Page 5

SIGN AS SOUVENIR

VISITOR DEPRIVED OF PRIZE.

AUCKLAND, June 14

An unrehearsed incident shortly before the departure of the’ Ulimai’oa for Sydney was a scuffle between university students for possession off';, a large “tea kettle” sign. Behind"the incident itself lies a tale of a raid -by a souvenir hunter, .of a continued search for the culprit, and of liis final detection and the recovery of "the property. The “kettle” sign formerly adorned a roadside refreshment house. On Monday evening a party was held there by students of the Auckland University College and the membersubf the Australian Universities’ football team. Next morning the proprietress of the house discovered that the sign was missing from its accustomed prominent position. She immediately communicated with the Students’ Association at the University College, demanding the return of the sign aqd • threatening legal action. The students faced with the possibility off having to pay for the sign, made enquiries, hut to no effect. Suspicion naturally fell on members of the visiting football team, but no information could be gathered in that direction. Hopes of recovering the 7 “kettle” fell until half an hour before the sailing of the Ulimaroa. One off the Australian players was seen walking up the gangway with the sign tucked under his arm. A short, sharp scuffle ensued, when the return of the souvenir was' requested. Finally it was wrested from its unlawful owner, and was carried in triumph off the boat. No time was lost in restoring it to its former position at the tea house.