A WONDERFUL " BAIRN."

Manawatu Herald, Volume I, Issue 71, 2 May 1879, Page 2

A WONDERFUL " BAIRN."

• AN INFANT 22 YEARS OLD. Although the Town of Bulls, in Rangilikei, is not known to fame, if; nevertheless contains one of the " smallest wonders of the world." General Tom Thumb and Commodore Nutt have been t; exhibited " on account of their smallness, but there is a '■' woman " at Bulls who is far smaller than either. There resides in that township a family named Bond. The father (Edward Bond) is one of the old " Ake-ake's," (65th Regiment), who did good service in the '•' brave days of old," and resided with his family for a number of years at Wanganui since he received his discharge. About two years ago he " shifted camp " to Bulls, aud having given up the bayonet for the fishing net, he has lately followed the "piscatorial" profession. But between Edward Bond and Rosin a, his lawful wedded wife, there has raged for some time past internecine feud ; and strange to say, the principal " bone of contention," is a female child that might well attract the attention of the world-renowned Barnum. This child is the third '• bond " and pledge between Edward and Rosina, and is 22 years old. She is an absolute infant in everything but age. Her size is that of a babe about 6 months old ; the hair, which, is dark, might belong to a child of three years ; the mouth expresses a considerable age, and lines are grad* ually showing themselves upon the countenance. The expression of the features is said to be repulsive, and idiotic, suggesting in a marked degree that the child is in every way a monstrosity. The parents of the child are well advanced in years, the father being fully 40, and one of the family is married. It ff is said, that this helpless infant prodigy has unconsciously caused a large amount of trouble between her parents, one of whom — the mother— thinks something might be done in the " show " line, whilst the father strongly objects, to his progeny being "exhibited." Rosina complained afc the/ last silting of the R.M. Court" at Foxton, that her husband had beaten her, and obtained a protect tion order, though he says she is not so far " above suspicion " upon a certain matter as she might be.

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HumiHll I■■ "lkluwj. Bill iimlW'llT' nil 1 ' L - -'*"'""' " Leave my presence !" she exclaimed"Not much, I won't leave your presents," he replied, as he scooped 'em into his ulster, an I silently stole away. Professor (looking at his watch) — " As we have a few minutes, I slioi'M lilto to have anyone ask questions, it' so disposed." Studeut— " "What time is it, please ?" "Speaking of the different Uindfl of taxes,"' queried the tepcher, " What kind is it where whisky is taxed ?" " I know," said one boy, holding up his hfind. " Well, what is it?" "£>in-tax, :> shouird the young grammarian. "Do you mean to call me a li>ir P" nsks a ferocious old gentleman. " Well, no, not exactly," temporizes his young friend; " but if I saw you in the company of Ananas and Sapphira, I should say you were in the bosom of your family."