A "Returned" Soldier

Levin Daily Chronicle, 16 March 1918, Page 1

A "Returned" Soldier

Some months ago a young man of good address and immaculate attire swooped down upon Masterton, says the '' Age.'' He was a hale fellow, well mot, and succeeded in ingratiating \htmself with many of the leading citizens. He told a plausible talo' about a '' draft'' that was coming to him across the water. It was coming ever}' week, but, somehow or another, it (lid not arrive. Meanwhile, he was accommodate od with here, £15 there, and- £20 somewhere else, just to see him over the weeik-end. One-bright morning the civic dignitaries, leading townsmen and confiding tradesmen -woke up to discover that the distinguished visitor han gathered up his tent, like the Arabs in the night, and departed £ jv fresh fields.. Some time later it was reported that he had received Accommodation from His Majesty for having repeate'l the performance in other towuships. Me has evidently appeared upon the scan-, in an entirely new guise. A Wairnrapa visitor ito the Empire City last weefc met a man in non-commissioned officer's attire. He told a story of startling experiences at the Somme, and in other parts of France, and succeeded in securing an advance of a few pounds, pending the arrival of the saiiW old "draft." Then he was observed to be entertaining young ladies at a champagne dinner. Enquiries at the Defence Department showed that the name of this gallant "soldier" did not appear upon the books.' The Wairarapa man, who is still waiting for his money, warns his friends against listening to the story of the "man from the Somme."