THE WAY TO PAIAKA.

Manawatu Herald, Volume II, Issue 270, 28 May 1889, Page 2

THE WAY TO PAIAKA.

Is this the way to Gardner's mill ? is becoming a monotonous enquiry to a family who live somewhere near to tbo road leading to that hive of industry. The question is generally asked late on Saturday nights or on Sunday afternoon?, in all sorts of tones, by all sorts and conditions of men, in all styles of inebriety. The other night after the family had retired to rest, the honse dog made night hideous with barks and growls, the tones at times retreating, then drawing nearer. The be«d of the household retained his couch, determined to let the intruder find his way back of his own accord, hut suddenly the flash of light by his bedroom window warned him that the visitor was closer than was convenient. "With much reluctance he arose, ornamented with a handsome nightcap made to order, and opened his bedroom window, with an enquiry ii no very pleased tones as to " who was there." A few yards off, seated on a barrow appeared a venerable old sinner, holding a horse by the bridle, with a lighted candle in the other hand, who was vainly endeavouring to admire the beauties of the locality. I a reply to the demand, the loit one replied that be was a traveller, and was then told that the sooner he travelled the better, as he was not wanted there. "Is this the way to Faiaka ?'' came the oft repeated interrogatory, "No it is not, and no where near it," was the rejoinder. After an explanation how to find the road had been shouted to this untimely friend, the explainer trusted he would start. Vain hope, the horse brought the man to where he wax, but it appeared doubtful i if the tn<m could take the horse back again. He was what is termed " the worse for liquor," and having had a long ride by himself, was open to conversation. This may be interesting to a gentleman who is full, and clothed, however cold the night may be, but to a disturbed householder clothed iv linen, and in only one garment of the material, to stand at an open window of a frosty night is no fun, and ho therefore answered more shortly than politely. " How far do you think it is to Paiaka, 1 ' was another and last question, the enquirer being told he bad better go and measure it. It was a chearins site to watch the procession leave. The old sinner with the candle aloft, peering to find tho road, the poor old moke bein? dragged after him. Like all persons in a new piace and in the dark, he managed to find every con* ceivable wrong turn, dragging his horse over obstructions and then pulling him under trees, just where he bad no need to go. What time did he get to Faiaka ?

Another day a party of four drove up up with tbe usual dwtressitiif enquiry. Three passengrrs being straight, but one very longitudinal. They weie as usual in form id they bad come astray, and therefore wisely determined to tramp it, tbe only difficulty being tbe incapable one. However, he was shot out of the trap and stood anon liis feet, bat looked woefully miserable when told be had four tniloi to walk, The commancscnent of « w*ik •fffird* ttan owner nt itli j^rm

pcrty sufficient amends' for his tronble;. m tbere is first a hill to climb and then< td descend, and a person who ha* been< living "fltfc wisely but too well," per-. formi many contortions before thii diffi* cuity is surmounted. The last in trouble bad to rise, and tor do so to travel' through a made plantation. His twofriends by shouts of encouragement and laogbter got him to the top, but during hi« progress op he was beard to exclaim, " Bother it, I did not want to travel through a botanical garden." Tbt> descent tftfft easier, as be rolled to tbe bottom. The 1 road to Paiaka is not thii way, and traveller » are requested to go the other.