UNDER THE MICROSCOPE

Manawatu Times, Volume III, Issue 33, 5 March 1879, Page 2

UNDER THE MICROSCOPE

"A duel's among ye takin* notes, An' faith he'll prenb 'em."

■ ( j One' of the greatest .puzzles to neir arri-, t^ls m the Colonies 19 the number, of slang expressions and phrases which greet him on. efrer^ side, and it requires at least, time foir the smell of the lime-juice to have left him before he can properly translate " so long," " no fear," " rather," and other kindred peculiarities to which he is treated. Not long since an aged gentleman lately from Home put up at one of the hotels, and being nearsighted inquired from the waiter the contents of a dish at the other end of the table. "Colonial goose," iraa the prompt reply. <?Eh, what?" Baid the stranger. "Colonial goose*" was again the answer. "Colonial goose," repeated the old gentleman, with a strong emphasis on the. nation* ality, and an evident desire to inquire if imported ones were obtainable. However, checking himself, he replied^ "Ah, well then I shall try some Colonial goose." The dish was carved, the gentleman helped, and when received the contents of the plate keenly but covertly examined, but no opinion expressed until, fortified with at least half an hour's practical analysis, he seemed to have arrived at a definite conclusion. Turning to his right hand supporter he whispered, "Do you know, sir, I could almost swear that this goose had. a coating of wool upon it," and then learned for the first time that " Colonial goose," was but another name for a leg of mutton stuffed! The old gentleman's judgment was simply, " Rub* bish," but whether the verdict referred to the dish or explanation did not clearly appear. '"•..,