FRENCH SAILOR

Hokitika Guardian, 12 November 1929, Page 1

FRENCH SAILOR

AM USING A 1) VENTURES

AUCKLAND, Nov. 8

A passenger to Sydney- by the lake no to-day was Jean Dazayous, of the French navy. Jean saw Auckland for the first time when the cruiser Tourville was out this way. The night before the cruiser sailed for Wellington, Jean bade a few cf his intimate companions good-bye, dressed himself in his best naval uniform, clambered through a port-hole and marched away. Jean carried a musket with him, not that he had any idea of going deer-stalking or using it for an ulterior purpose, hut merely to confirm the impression about the waterfront that be was at the time on guard duty or something. In broken English, with occasional lapses into his national -tongue Jean told the stoiy of his adventures to a “Star” representative this morning. He said he laid low for a day or so in Auckland and answered an advertisement for a farmhand. He walked to Pukekohe, where he got n job with a dairyman, and soon began a quite new experience with Jersey cows and calves. Although an electrician, lie took well to his new occupation and apparently gave satisfaction.

“It was difficile, so difficile, Monsieur, and some of the cows w-re most terrible,” said Jean. “One "as horrible. It attack me.” As ee related that he rnibbed the back of bis leg,? reminiscently. Jean stayed on the farm for three months, and earned enough money to buy a suit. “But I was lonely, so lonely, Monsier,’’ be said. “I could not oilk to a soul. Although everyone was so kind to me I long for France every night- when I lie awake.”

Fortunately Jean made the ncqaintance of a young Belgian lady. ‘“vSlie was ' most delightful and gentle,” lie said enthusiastically. The marine lapsed into pure French in an endeavour to do full justice to the young lady’s charms. “Ah,” be said, with arms outspread, “she was magnifiqiie.” In spite of this solace, Jean found that life at Pukekohe began to pall, so he decided to come to Auckland to give himself up. He took lodgings, pawned his suit to assist his somewhat meagre linances and once more donner the white uniform and led tassled hat of the French navy.

Yesterday arrangements were made to ship Jean to Sydney, where lie will join a French boat. Jean is a bit hazy about the future and has some misgivings that some explanation a ill be required later on. “I have no regrets,” lie said as he stood at the Malieno’s rail. “The kindness T have met with has been incomparable. New Zealand is tres splendide—such charming ladies.” .Jean flung his arms wide open metaphorically to embrace them all.