PECULIARITIES.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 11 February 1914, Page 2

PECULIARITIES.

All of us are occasionally bothered, by tongue-twisters, but not often get so confused as when , a very reserved and haunty passenger on a steamship who had gained the ill-will of the other passengers by his exclusiveness, advanced to " declare " his luggage to the Custom-house officer.^ I desire," said he pompously, to declare • out •• of my personal belongings two small bugs and a rag." The delight of the crowd *- and the fall of his pride were intense in proportion to his silly exclusiveness. x x x It was. a trained nurse who offered to minister to a fevered patient with the kindly words, " Wouldn't you be more comfortable if I should cush and brome yourliair ?" X XX The classic mistake of this character is often-repeated speech ~ of the young clergyman who, repulsed by the somewhat chilly and reserved bride, remarked in his confusion that he thought it was " kistomary to cuss the ,bride." x x x At a fashionable wedding there was intense curiosity to see the rich costumes of the heiress who was being led to the altar. There was much craning of necks> and at last some of the over-eager rose in their seats in the extreme back of the church and stood upon them in the effort to get a good view. The clergyman, who was in the chancel ready to conduct the service, was greatly shocked. With much dignity, but in haste and anger, he addressed the congregation :. "In view of the solemnity of this occasion and the sacred character of this edifice, I want you all to sit on the floor and put your feet on the seats." But they knew what he meant and promptly assumed orderly positions.