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Kumara Times, Issue 1017, 5 January 1880, Page 4

The Civil List Amendment Act fixes the salaries of Ministers at—The Prime Minister, L 155 0; seven other Ministers LllOO each ; and the two Maori members of the Executive Council at L4OO each. High life in Christchurch is thus commented upon by “The Loafer in the Streets” in the Press, The description might well apply to other places besides Christchurch; —Society in high life here is improving, I don’t state this on my own authority please understand, but on that of an aged party who distributes refreshments at the feasts of the great and good and who, .having : cted in a similar capacity in England, is, I should say, a fair judge of manners. He tells me some of onr swells are beginning to have a dim noti n as to the use of the letter H. Others,, he says, show a marked improvement in the manner of devouring the victuals, but of their civility to servants he says but little. To this Chesterfieldian “ Jeames” I am indebted for the following litt'e story, which he declares be will vouch for on his oath if so required. A wealthy party whom we may call Slnmmins, finding himself a bit out of it at parties in the matter of conversation, purchased at the instigation of bis wife a book on society talk, published for the benefit of men in his position. Well coached by his wife, he astonished his friends on his next appearance by his brilliant conversation, Buggins, another fellow in precisely the same position, had also purchased the same book, and also dashed fluently into small talk. On arriving borne, Slumuiins confided to his wife tbat he had got through “fust rate,” but added thatßnggins had out stayed him. “ You see. my dear,” he said, “ the kid tore out two leaves of my Society Book, and that’s where Buggins bested me. What a low cad he is.”