RAISING THE WIND.

Kumara Times, Issue 1034, 24 January 1880, Page 2

RAISING THE WIND.

[?ROM THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES.] For some weeks past an interesting looking pair might have been seen walking to and fro, up and down the suburbs and vicinity of the city, having at times a forlorn appearance, at others bright and lithesome; for although one of them had by some means lost an arm, and his mate had his face sorely indented by the" smallpox, yet on the whole they appeared to be courting introduction to certain circles of society, and so they were. As accomplices they held the high position of common infornurs, .and were smelling out sly-grog shanties. in their efforts they Were eminently successful, as over a score of convictions Were bound

to crown their efforts up to a date ; but their mission aim, and intention was to do a score apiece, and, as a reward, they Would pocket 100 sovereigns each. Getting hard up for “ the needful,” they appealed to the Inspector to ad Vance them “a fiver” on the security of their vouchers when passed, and as on the premises of Maclaggan street there were bdttles of beer and spirits of every brand duly labelled, ticketed, and broad-arrowed; ready to be brought up in evidence on ‘the great day, naturally they inferred their request would be readily acceded to ; but', to their aniazement, a direct refusal was given. Being Sharply-Witted they set to reason thuswise ; If these sly-grog sellers are fined at Court, the amount will not accure lo us in tdto - , but only in part. Let us not wait the slow and tardy process of the law, bill at once ourselves proceed to judgement! Quick was the thought, sharp was the action. Hiring a buggy, they drove in state to the abodes of tile unfortudates; and at once commenced proceedings - . Their style of business was after the manner of the unjust steward of old ; for, they said to their victims, “ We have three charges against you, and we bristle with proofs ot which there call be no gainsay. For each offence you will be fined £4O at least—in all, £l2O. Take out your purse quickly, fork us out £6O ; we will give yoil a clear receipt, a discharge in full; by departing from the country.” The storekeeper ruminated a bit, scratched his head, saw his advantage, and down went the New Zealand notes. Having succeeded so well in.the first case, they proceeded to the next case; and so oil till the list was nearly exhausted, and in every case with a like success, till their goodly £2OO was in their pockets. The Rotoraahana sailed on Sundays and by the train at 2 p.rii. these two’ nobleminded generous men took their departure for Port Chalmers, accompanied by several of their gently-treated friends - , who saw them safely On board the steamer; and breathe there freely did those left behind when the vessel moVed on. There was rufihfng and facing In Maclaggan street hall when the news reached home. OH; what a sell was there ! And all on ac* count of that paltry five-pound note. True it is and of verity, the bottles are there still; but they cannot answer for themselves to the Bench. The interpreters have basely deserted them, and they can only be used as medical comforts. Nor can these sporting gents be warranted back again from Victoria, as no charge lies against them for such dis-. interested deeds, and the contributors of the spoil will not lay informations against them; as by that means they would waken fileepihg dogs. The dealers breathe freelv ageing and thanked their stars that Such an idea entered the heads of their persecutors, and that the lucky thought entered their brains of acting as judges and prosecutors at once in their Own coiiits.