“GRANDFATHER’S CLOCK”

Hokitika Guardian, 21 August 1929, Page 6

“GRANDFATHER’S CLOCK”

Does the almighty dollar own the universe? Well, perhaps, in the opinion

of some of those who bring it to Europe with the idea that everything is a matter of so rryrch money, .and that all things have their price.. An Auckland gentleman, who returned not long ago from a lengthy tour of England and . the Continent, tells some amusing tales, which came under his own observation, of how this floating money sometimes remains in England. Down in Devon, a'nd other country places, h© was interested to find that in some lovely country lane, far from the shopgirt town, he would discover a picturesque cottage, moss-grown roof, hollycocks against a white wall, and an old lady in a big white apron all complete. A notice, in not- too well spelt English, would ask if the visitor would like clotted cream and strawberries or other dainties in their season. The rusticity, the charm and the simplicity was beautiiful, and never failed to catch the touring victim. Seated in a country parlour, the American’s ©ye would catch sight of an old grandfather clock. The conversation then veered towards it artfully, and he learnt that it had been in the family for generations, and nothing would make then part with it. Subsequently lie learns how much they value it, and it is only when lie has made a large offer, perhaps of £SO, that the clock changes hands, and is borne away by the triumphant new owner, bound for the States, while the dear old soul, whose valued possession it was, wipes her eyes on the corner of her apron, as she watches it vanish in the distance. It is later that the rustic dame, so simple and so innocent, hunts up “feyther” and bids him bring along another clock because she has just sold the last one to the departed tourist.