The Squatter and the Parson.

Manawatu Herald, 10 April 1902, Page 3

The Squatter and the Parson.

Clergymen who go feeling their way about in unknown parts of the baobblooks oooaasionally run against some strange characters. A minister of the New South Wales Methodist Cohferenca recently in session gave an amusing illustration of the fact. Biding up to the homestead of a certain station for the first time, the owner, having noticed his approach, went down to the slip-rails to meet him. “Good-day” was exchanged in a matter-of-fact way, and then the minister explained who ho was. "Oh, I see,” said the squatter; "then you’ll be wanting money.” The minister protested that such a thing was not in his mind. Purely mundane matters like that could wait. He was there simply to make the acquaintance of the owner and his people, whom he hoped to visit regularly. " That’s all right,” rejoined the squatter, " but you’ll be wanting money. I’ve had several kinds here, but they all want money. Now, I tell you what it is ; I’ll make a bargain to begin with, and then we shall know whore we are. If you’ll come out here regularly and preach to the chaps round about, I’ll give you £5 a year; if you come out and don't preach at all, I’ll give you £10; and if you won’t come near the place I’ll give you £15.” The minister never enlightened his audience as to which condition in the bargain he accepted, but the audience laughed long and heartily.—Sydney Telegraph.