LATE LOCALS.

Hokitika Guardian, 21 December 1931, Page 6

LATE LOCALS.

Seldom does one see such a reunion between friends, between man and animal, as was seen at Hokitika this morning. Working quite close to Hokitika is a man who, 15 years ago, was attached to Wirth’s Circus. When the train containing the troupe and animals was unloading here this morning, he spoke to one of the elephants. The animal immediately recognised the voice, reached out its trunk and, grasping the man, swung him up on to his back. The man during his association with the Circus previously had been in charge of the elephants, and the elephant’s action this morning was his idea of a welcome to his old friend and master.

An example of the intelligence of an elephant was exemplified this morning. During the removal of the hugs loads of belongings of the Circus from the railway station to Cass Square, one of the largest elephants hauling a large load on a lorry, had managed, to. pull its load up the hill to the centre gates* and was then turned. to go down the incline from the road to the main track inside the Square. In spite of .all the efforts of its driver to get the animal to move on the . elephant steadfastly refused to do so. Then came a loud call from one of the bosses to the driver stating there was no brake on the. lorry, and to “sprag”. the wheels. This was done with rope, and the elephant moved off at the first call to pull its load to its destination. A sure instance of where the intelligence of the animal equalled that of its driver.

No. 65 Lavender Water make s an M.eal Christmas Gift. Delicately fragrant and wonderfully refreshening. Sold in distinctive flasks, stoppered hottles and sprinkler bottles wrapped in special cellophane paper. Priced from 2s 6d to 22s 6d. All chemists. —Advt.

A beautiful range of AH; Silk Curtain Nets, “and fadeless curtain . nets” are now opening out at Schroder and Co ; ft. will be. to your advantage to call early, as they are marked at a price to suit the most fastidious.—Advt.