A PRACTICAL JOKER.

Manawatu Times, Volume II, Issue 57, 5 May 1877, Page 3

A PRACTICAL JOKER.

Several American and Parisian papers give accounts of the extraordinary proceedings of a French gentleman •■ independent means, whose object A life appears to be to worry Custom Mouse officers. He has returned to his n itive Paris, and everywhere railway officials have been warned of his pranks. It is his wont, says the "American Register," to pack a huge truuk full of trouser straps, such as are worn with gaiters, using hydraulic pressure as if it were necessary to cram five bushels into a three bushel space, then to lure the inspector to open ii. as a suspicous package, when naturally the contents were overset, and the whole force of the Custom House was occupied m putting them back. A powerful Jack-in-the box was another device of his that was very successful. But more than this is currently reported of this gentleman. It is his practice sometimes to leave a hamper of very high game at a parcel office, and not take it out, simply sending messengers to enquire how the strength of the odour is progressing. When the officers at the parcel office could not endure the infliction any longer, and threw it away, M. Vivier would appear and politely request the return of his goods. Of course a great commotion would follow, which m every way, often by the aid of lawyers, would be prolonged by M. Vivier to his intense secret delight. Appeals to Parisian Courts would be threatened to humble village officials, who were warned of the nature of Court costs. Ou one occasion it is said that M. Vivier blandly asked an old gentleman bathing at Boulogne if he had seen the shark. The awful hint spread far and wide. Next day it appeared that everyone had seen the monster. No one bathed. M. Vivier smiled, sipped the Bourdeaux, and took his departure thoroughly gratified. He had his powerful Jack-in-the-box with him to meet all emergencies at the railway stations on the way. Another story is told of his appearing at a railway station with two valises. The Officer curtly enquired if they contained anything contraband. " You can see for yourself," said Vivier blandly, offering the key. " What does this one contain ?" " One rattlesnake," said Vivier mildly. "And this ?" " Two rattlesnakes answered the humorist m a pathetic voice. The official started back muttering. A conference was held, and he was told there was no duty on less than four.