A WOMAN WITH A BRASS FACE.

Manawatu Times, Volume III, Issue 50, 18 June 1879, Page 2

A WOMAN WITH A BRASS FACE.

We have all hoard of, if we have not seen, tbe woman with the iron jaw, but it may not be generally known that her twin sister, the woman with tho brazen face, resides tlie other side of the Tararua Ranges. The lady with the metallic countenance is a wealthy widow, well known about Masterton, and the manner m which she became possessed of her sobriquet is as followers ; As may be ' known, an opposition coaching firm has lately started between Featherston and Masterton, which has m vain tried to run the veterans Hastwell and Macara off the road. The old fare was seven and sixpence for the twenty-five miles, but as the Opposition reduced to five shillings, H. and M. determined not to be beaten and they consequently reduced to one shilling, and it was while matters were at tliat stage that the little episode which we are about to re-; late took place. The driver was seated- on the box with the ribbons m his hand, when iv response to "AU aboard," the'wealthy widow, leading a big girl of about fourteen, appears, " What is th© fare,' ., driver "*". " Only a bob, MaVm. Jump m" "Children half price, I suppose?" was the mr terrogatory. Coachee looked at the quantity of womanhood which was supposed to .come uncler the heading of a child ; then turned to his neighbor on the box, and after smothering a guffaw, replied, " Oh, 1 suppose so, ma'am ; tip u^ the tanner, and lilt the baby m." The object of so much bargaining jumped inside, while the lady sought the required; coin arid; handed it to the driver. Holding it to his lamp, he replied " this is a halfiSov."ma'*m ; have you got anything smaller ?" With more haste to receive it back t ban she had been to give it, the W.W. snatched the returned coin muttering " I did not intend you to see that,"! and after a lengthy search produced a three-penny piece, handing up to. the box seat, saying " that's all I have about me, but I will give you the remainder the next time we meet." The polite.: .Jehu, took the coin touching his hat and his horses at the same time, but when out of ear-shot he was heard to say, '' Aye, when we meet again, old dame ; but I s hall take dashad good' care to steer 6lear of ladies with such castiron counternanoes as yours." ,