The Wreck Scare.

Kawhia Settler and Raglan Advertiser, Volume IV, Issue 380, 2 October 1908, Page 3

The Wreck Scare.

[Odskrver,] D’Arcy Hamilton is the name of an individual who dwells in the sylvan glades of Kawhia, and U is upon the said D’Arcy Hamilton that the Kawhians are now locking with grim disapproval. One night recently, when night had folded its sable mantle over the earth. and ail was still, save for the squeakirg of the turnips, D’Arcy stood looking out to sea, and suddenly saw a blue-coloured rocket soar up into mid-air. Other people have seen nocturnal rockets before to-day. Gentleman returning from their reapedtive lodges have been known to see blue rockets and green snakes, and red lizards, and all sorts of horrifying things. But D’Arcy had’nt been to a lodge meeting, and he felt quite sure that be saw that rocket. Horrible thoughts of shipwreck Hashed over D’Arcy’s mind, and he incontinently bolted into the township and raised the alarm. Strong 'men, shuddering with'apprehension, proceeded down to the beach, bearing ropes, and rockets, and life belts, . and castor oil, and whisky, and all sorts of life saving instruments. A brave company set off in a small boat as a relief expedition to seek the wreck. After searching round for some four hours, they returned, and gloomily finished off the last mentioned item of the life saving apparatus. Then they grabbed their meat axes and went off in search of D’Arcy Hamilton. But they couldn’t find him, The next Kawhian who sees rockets had better keep his discovery to himself, or-he is liable to be assassinated with neatness and despatch.