AN ANCIENT DOCUMENT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 1096, 14 September 1912, Page 3

AN ANCIENT DOCUMENT.

[By Dug Up.] CHAPTER II

Among them that suffered loss in the unquenched fire which did feed upon the buildings in the market place of Foxtonius, w f as the chief ruler, Georgius Styllbus —he who gathered shekels unto himself by exchanging fine linen for the root of all evil. Now, Georgius gathered his Council together and wept copious tears, and delivered himself thus : “Lo, the market place has been consumed. Go, to, let us grant unto myself and others permission to build structures of wood which do not conform with the law, as temporary places for the buying and selling ot goods f<»r the space ot ten moons, iu u that the people

shall be feu bed and that the exchange money shall remain vyiiii ! market Av : .. ■ .is set aside lor the space ol ten moons. Then did the traders erect and drag lorth several edifices, which rested upon the ashes of the lormer buildings. Then Georgius the Chief Ruler, again opened his mouth and said ; Fellow Councillors, the evil wrought by the fiery elements has been great, and 10, I am smitten. Even mine enemies have punctured my tanks, and for excuse said the stored fluid was to protect the walls oi tae temple 01 the Scotehbyteriaus against the burning tongues of flame. lam grieved, and now after faithful service I must quit the seat of Caesar and the service of my beloved people and rear a more noble edifice wherein to store goods and to trade.” And as be departed from his high seat at the Council table, a strong wina blew so that its noise did mingle with the sobbing of the Councillors tor the departing high Councillor. Now, the remaining Councillors were eight in number, not including the scribe of whom something will be said hereafter. And the names of the chosen ot the people of Foxtonius at that time were: Georgius Brutus Colebus, of the House of Masseyus and the tribe of Benjamin ; Alexis Speribus, of the tribe ot Caledonius, known for their doggeduess in time of war ; Georgius Adamus, of the Garden ot Edeuus, skilled in the art ot drugs ; Washingtouius Smithlinius Stewartorius, Bachelorius ot Artius and skilled in the spanking of kiddius and use of the peppermint drop ; John Cbrystalus, he ol the evergreen smile and expert in the ancient method ot piercing the bowels of ide earth for water ; Albertus Gibbius, who dwelt on the hill top, of the tribe of flaxibus; Harribus Greigius, beloved of the Society of Horticulture and well skilled in serving the people ; Henrius Richmondibus, who possessed much knowledge in the art ot embalming; and Georgius Whibleius, who yearned to serve the tribe of the labourites. Now, alter the departure of the Chief Ruler, the Councillors did confer one with the other as to who should occupy the chief seat, and harmony no longer reigned. Then did they cast lots among themselves, and he who dwelt on the hill top was chosen to fill the high place. And it came to pass that the people were called upon 10 select one Iro n among themselves to fill the vacancy on the Council. Here endeth the second chapter. [Chapter 111. will appear in our next.]