A Pending Strike... The Criminals Threaten to Come Out.

Free Lance, Volume III, Issue 121, 25 October 1902, Page 12

A Pending Strike .. .

The Criminals Threaten to Come Out.

G)OJD morning, yer 'Onner. Crlad to see yer lookin' so well an 7 'eairty." Sir Hartley's visitor was a short, thick-set man, with a hard face, that looked as if it had been hastily chopped out of bluestane by an inferior craftsman. His hair was cropped short, he bad a three-days' beard on his chin, and his nose had been broken and then neglected, and left to crow wild, with the result that it took three distinct directions m its short conrse. "Good morning," said the judge. "Oblige me by returning that vase to its place. It is rather valuable." The visitor blushed a bluer tint than usual and shamefacedly drew the vase from his pocket and returned it to the shelf. "Beggm' yer 'Onner's parding," he savl . "force o' habit, that was " "Yes, so I should say — force of bad habit. Wliat do you want with me 9 " ''Well, that's rather a cool wav o' treatui' an old friend, ain't it p " "Old friend? I do not remember having had the — er pleasure. Besides, I have no time to spare." "True for yer, we on'y met in the way o' business but yer 'Onner's given a good deal o' time to me m one way or another, an' I was thinkin' yon might spaie a tew minutes to a cove with a legiteraut grievance." "I have given a good deal of time to you ? How? When?" "Why bless yer, you gey me three years the very last tame we met." "Oh I see You are, then, a convicted and, I have no doubt a confirmed criminal. " "That's me an' as a bloke what's put a good deal o' business in yer 'Onner's •wav one timer another. I thought I'd drop in friendly like an' 'aye a nitch with ver about a little mistake you're makin' " ''You are making a miss-take, too I imagine. I have need of that nanerweight you are nutting in your pocket " "Well, I'm blowed You see, a man get's used to hftin' things, an' it becomes second nature to him he does it automatic like. About this mistake of your Onner's. I've come on behalf o' ineself an' some other old friends o' yours Sir 'Artly, a few of which owes tinear lives to you " "Ow e their lives to me ?" ''Yes. You crave Pete life, likewise also Bill the Nipper, and Stiffener Mc Gmms consequence they owes their lives to you. in a manner o' speakin', not to mention Black Jerry an' Arty the Stabber, who yon might have 'anged. an' didn't. All these an' some more arsked me to form meself into a dippvtation to wait on yer 'Onner. an' enter a protest agin' this system of lettin' off first offenders, old or young." "Dear me, lam surprised at this Now I should have thought that people of your class would have given mv actions land opinions warm approval "No bloomin' fear. An', why should we?" "It is the offender who benefits and you are all more or less offenders." "Er course we are, but it ain't us perfeshonals wat benefits , it's them blanky amatoors." "Amateurs'" "Yes, them blanky amatoors I sez. What good's this lettin' off of fust offenders goin' to do to us perfeshional gents 5 We ain't fust offenders bv a long shot. Fust offenders is always amatoors, an' I hates 'cm — takm' of the bread out of dishonest men's mouths " "Tut, tut tut' you surprise me But, even if the system is no benefit to you, it at least does you no< harm " "Oh, don't it? I like that. It don't do us no 'arm havin' a lot o' sneakin' amatoors outtm' into the business, orackin' our cribs, poachin' our preserves, takm' the cream off our profits. An' that's what this game means. Your 'Onner goes an 'raises the limit so that any bloke, even if he's ninety can get off under the bloomin' Juvenile Offenders' Act or somethin'. What follers p Win thousands o' these measley amatoors sez to theirselves • 'It's all rybuck, we can have a cut in, garotte somebody rob a lesidence, do a big embezzle an' then pitch the first offender lay. an' eret off without a scratch.' Naturalh these covies will rush our business an' cruel the niton. We'll be ruined bv cheap labour an' amatoor competition Presently, we won't be able to crack a crib without findm' a blanky amatoor on the iob afore us " "Really f don't see how I can help you I believe in curing by kindness." "Excuse me yer 'Onner, but them words is rot I got a proppersitkm to make We perfeshionals owes somethin' to you, we admits it, but, at the same time, we acknowledges to ourself that ver 'Onner owes a good deal to us " "Nonsense man I owe nothing to you or the like of you." "Beggin' your parding again, you owes your billet to us. If it wasn't for the likes o' us, there'd be no need for the likes o' you. You've 'card it said,

no doubt, by persons what ain't got no reverence nor proper realm's, that the devil is the clergymen's best friend, 'cause if there was no devil there'd be no need ot clergymen , well, it's just the saano with you an' us, yer 'Onner. We're your best friends, 'cause if there was no criminals there'd be no need for criminal courts or criminal court judges'" "There's some truth in that — there would be less need of judges if there were no criminals, certainly " "To be sure, an' what I got to propose is that yer 'Onner knocks off this silly first offenders' business, an' treats all alike. What's sauce foi the goose is sauce fer the goslm' No favouritism, we sez. Treat the amatoors the same as the perfeshionals or else the executive of the Workin' Burglers' and Embezzlers' Association will perseed to extreme measures." "Indeed. You threaten me What form would the extreme measuies take, may I ask s " ' We'll go on strike an' every man jack of us lead a honest life." "Mv goodness l Why. that is the yen thine 1 society desires." ' Wait a bit. Have you considered what it means to the majority o' you judsre an' lawyer blokes? Mind, if it w asn't fer us there'd be no need o' you What 'appans if we go out o' work We remain on strike and in doo course you gets the sack, there bein' no work in the criminal courts." "Dear me that's awkward — that's veiv awkward'" ' You bet it is. An' don't forget that the Burglars and Embezzlers' Association is a-fillvated w ith all the other criminal bodies, an' holds the key o' the situation." "Bless my soul, that's very awkward. I should like to submit this very importaint matter to the Full Court." "Yes, you'd better. Mv association w ill erive you a fortnight's time to make up ver mind, an' then if there's any mroe invidyis distinctions made in favour o1o 1 the amatoors out we coes on strike without a word o' warnin'." ' You — you won't do anything rash — anything to precipitate what I feel sure would be little short of a national disaster? You are sure you have fully considered all that a sudden strike of criminals would mean?" "We 'ay' yen- 'Onner, an' that's onr ulterpertatum. I now take my leave " Burelar Bill took his leave also His Honour's hat and coat out of the hall, and several small articles of value Decides. His Honour is now busy preparing: a case for the Full Court

Mrs. Wiokham and Miss Miles mtioduoed a novelty in the way of "teas" last week when they issued invitations for a farewell afternoon for Miss Hislop. Each guest was invited to bring with her something towards furnishing the bride's kitchen, and much laughter greeted the unwrapping of each gift. The tea was heJd at Mrs. Miles's residence, and the guests were received by Mrs. Wickham and Miss Miles. A very dainty tea was laid in. the diningroom, the table being decorated with a yellow satin centre, and bulbs arranged m silver and glass bowls. The cakes and sandwiches were simply delicious. • * * Ping-pongr enthusiast® had some exciting games, and songs 1 by the Misses Miles were much enjoyed. Mrs. Wickham was beautifully gowned in blue voile finished with white lace. Miss Miles wore a pretty pink and white muslin dress. Mrs. Miles was wearing a handsome black voile. The Misses Hiskro. K. Fitzgerald, and 0. Fitzgerald assisted in entertaining the guests. The presents, when collected together, caused much mirth — potato-peelers, enamel saucepans, pepper-boxes, etc., were a few of them. • • • Some of the guests were : Dr. PlattsMills, Mesdames 1. de B. Brandon, H. Johnston, and the Misses Brandon. Higginison, Fell, Rawson, Joseph, Coates, and many more. • « • A delightful euchre party was given on Thursday evening last week by Mrs Finch at her residence, Willis Street Two rooms were arranged for cards and a splendid supper was very prettily laid out in the dining room. The house was beautifully decorated with flowers and looked so cosy and bright that the unpleasant weather outside was completely forgotten. Mrs. Finch and her daughters received the guests, the former being handsomely gowned in black, the Misses Finch wore pretty white gowns, Mrs. Morrison wore a black satm gown. • • • When play had ended, the prizes were presented Miss M. Stuart won the ladies' hrst— a silver shoehorn and button hook ; Mr. Dalziell, having highest score, received a silver-mounted walking stick, and Mr. MacShane was presented with a cigarette case. • • • Among the guests were : The Misses Gore, Holmes, Brandon, Higginson, Nelson, Stafford, Miles, R. Butt, M. Blundell, E. Rawson, A. Rawson, Mclntosh, Y. Rawson, O. Rawson, L. Ewen, Stuart, Somerville, G. Harcourt, K. Barclay, Nathan, M. MacGregor, and Messrs. Arbor, Tripe, Nelson, Cox, McKellar, Rhmd, Turrell, Somerville, Higginson, Reid, Gore, Back, Haselden, Harcourt, and many others. • • • Mrs. Fitch ett has returned from a short visit to Wairarapa, where she was the guest of Mrs. Waters. • • • Miss N. Rose is in Wellington just now and is staying with Mrs. T. Ward. • • • A prettier wedding than Miss Hislop's has never been seen in Wellington. The ceremony took place at St. John's Church on Wednesday afternoon, October 22nd. Guests and friends of the bride and bridegroom — Mr. Charles J. Cooper, of Messrs. Levin and Co. — filled the church, which had been beautifully decorated with arum lilies and foliage. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. J. Paterson, and the bride, who is the eldest daughter of Mr. T. W. Hislop, looked sweetly pretty as she entered the church on her father's arm. • • • Her lovely gown was of ivory satm duchess, the gracefully trimmed skirt being tucked in rows of the finest hairtucks, and finished with three flounces, tucked in the same manner. Wide bands of exquisite Renaissance lace trimmed the skirt, and the same lace was also effectively arranged on the prettily tucked bolero bodice. The square yoke was of beautiful point d'Alencon, and the long, drooping sleeves were of the same lace, finished with the daintiest little cuffs, fastened with tiny bows of bebe ribbon. The short bolero opened over a pouched bodice, and was finished with a most artistically arranged drape of point d'Alencon, fastening at the waist with a loose knot. With this was worn a single string of pearls and a beautiful pearl and diamond star pendant, the latter being the gift of the bridegroom. A pretty wreath of orange blossoms was worn under the long tulle veil, and the bride carried a shower bouquet of choice flowers. • • • The bridesmaids were her sisters, Miss Bessie and Miss Joan Hislop, and Miss Kathleen Fitzgerald, the trio making a delightful picture as they stood behind the pretty bride. Their gowns of pale

Mrs. MacTavish wore a channuig gown of sage-green voile, with delicate wide lace insertions and a toque of the same shade ; Miss Halse wore a blouse of rose silk and a dark skirt, hat with shaded roses ; Miss E. Halse was in pale blue and a hat to match. Mrs. Malcolm Ross was in grey with a smart satin coatee and a black hat with tiny pink roses ; Miss J. Skerrett was in cream and a black hat with large pink bows ; Miss N. Skerrett was in heliotrope and white silk, and a hat to match ; Mis* Butt wore a pretty gown of eau-de-nil with lace and a burnt straw hat with red roses : Miss M. Butt was in pink muslin and rose hat ; Mrs. C. Izard looked nice in white silk and turquoise folded belt and hat with forget-me-nots. Mrs. Van Staveren was in blue ; Miss Van Staveren wore white voile , Mrs. Stuart Menteitb, a lovely royal blue gown, with lace collar and dark hat with crimson roses. Miss Tolhurst's becoming gown was forget-me-not blue and she wore a cream chiffon hat with pink. * * • Miss Harcourt wore white, and a hat with shaded roses ; Miss Grace Har-

court, a red cloth gown, ecru lace, and white hat with black and white bows. Mrs. Wynne- Williams was in red, adid a pretty hat , Miss Fitzherbert, white silk, and turquoise blue; Miss Barron, a light silk gown. Miss Turton wore white, and a burnt-straw floral hat. Mrs. St. Leger Woods looked very nice in ivory silk, with an exquisite collar of Point lace, and a blue hat, with strane of black velvet and blue chiffon.. Mrs. (Colonel) Collins wore black brocade, and a black hat. Mrs. Fulton wore violet cloth, with lace revers, and a black hat; Mrs. Campbell, a grey Eton costume lace vest, and white hat with violets. Miss G. r.ichardson wore a sweet blue frock, and hat with pink and blue silk bows • Mrs. Powles in black • Miss Powles, in biscuit silk. Amonest the numerous and handsome gifts received were a tea service and silver bowl from the Law Society, a handsome silver inkstand from, the officers of the Wellington Battalion, and a Standard lamp from the Wellinerton Naval Artillery in which company Mr. Cooper is lieutenant. » * ♦ Miss Hislon's lovely gown., which was a "creation" of satin duohess 1 and ex-

blue silk were also made with tucked boleros and frilled skirts, and had wide bands of string coloured insertion. Their hats were simply charming — plateau shape in string coloured straw, draped with lace and caught with briar roses, and sprays of roses lay under the brim. Their bouquets were the same pretty pink shade, and they wore handsome pearl and gold star brooches, the gift of the bridegroom. " • • • Mr. Henry Cooper acted as best man to his brother, and Messrs. R. Levin and D. Menzies were groomsmen. Mr. Maughan Barnett officiated at the organ, and as the wedding party left the church played Mendelsohn's Wedding March. • • • A reception was held at the residence of the bride's parents, the guests being received by Mrs. Hislop, who was beautifully gowned in black silk voile over green silk, with lace yoke and drape, and a pretty bonnet with violets. • • • Some of the guests were — Mrs. A. de B. Brandon, in black, with a beautiful lace collar, and black hat with red. Mrs. H. D. Bell was gowned in dove-grey silk, with wide lace yoke, and fichu of pale blue chiffon ; her toque was a pretty combination of glue and grey. Mrs. A. Duncan wore a stylish long white coat over an ivory silk gown, and a pink crinoline hat swathed with lace, caught with one large pink rose. Mrs. Tweed was in ivory silk and insertion, and a black picture hat. Mrs. Fitzgerald and Mx-s. Newman were both beautifully gowned in black, and wore black hats with ostrich tips. Mrs. Walter Nathan was in dark grey, with turn -back collar in lace, and dark crimson roses in her hat.

Miss Nathan wore a pretty frock of eau-de-ml voile and lace. Mrs. J. Tripe looked charming in ivory silk, with lace and insertion and touches of black velvet, and a rose-trimmed hat ; Mrs. Riddiford ; Mrs. Purdy was in grey frieze and a violet toque. Miss Riddiford wore a slate-grey cloth gown, and a hat with white roses. Mrs. C. Pearce was m cornflower blue, with lace revers, and a pretty cornflower hat. • • • Mrs. MacGregor was in black ; Miss M. MacGregor a becoming pink and white muslin gown, and biscuit straw hat with pink ; Miss Coates wore purple, with a chiffon ruffle and becoming hat, with shaded green leaves. Mrs. Miles wore a cigar-brown costume, and hat to match; Miss Miles ivory voile frock, beautifully made with a draped bodice and drooping sleeve, and a picture hat with pale green. Mrs. Wickham wore a lovely dress of wedgwood blue and white silk, richly trimmed with wide insertions and medallions of string- coloured lace, a handsome ruffle, and large hat. Mrs. Nicholas Reid wore a gown of black and white brocade, white bonnet with tips. • • * Miss Brandon was in a blue gown and hat with pink ; Miss A. Brandon a pink voile gown; Mrs. Fell in grey. Miss Oonah Fitzgerald was admired in a becoming dress of pale blue, with wide lace collar, and a charming hat of burnt straw lace and pink roses. The Misses Fell in pretty silk muslin gowns. Mrs. Quick wore black, with ecru insertions, and touches of violet in her bonnet; Miss Quick wore a slate-grey gown, with lace and turquoise hat ; Mrs. Joseph was in black ; Miss Joseph a brown cloth gown ; Miss Elsie Joseph a soft silk fiock.

quisite lace, was one of the many beautiful wedding gowns made lately by Messrs. Kirkcaldie and Stains. * * * A very pretty wedding was celebrated, at Petone on October Bth, the occasion being the marriage of Miss Ada Wriffht to Mr. S. G. Radford, of Petone. The ceremony took place at the residence of Mr. J. Barlow, the Rev. A. Thompson being tihe officiating clergyman. The bride, who was given away by her uncle (Mr. E. Morris), looked exceedingly nice in a lovely gown of white silk, and the orthodox veil and orange blossoms. The bridesfaid was a cousin (Miss L. Morris), who wore a pretty gown and hat to match. Mr. James Barlow acted as best man. The honeymoon is being spent in Napier, and the bride's travelling dress was of electric blue cloth. * ♦ * Miss M. Simpson is on a visit to friends at Auckland. * * • The concert, held in the Choral Hall, on Monday evening, under the auspices of the Marist Old Boys' Association, warn a perfect success fully 900 peoole being present. The programme was a really good one, the items being well chosen, and the audience repeatedly demanded encores. The concert was organised with a view to raising funds with which to purchase up-to-date scholastic appliances for the Brothers' School, and a substantial sum should be handed over. The vocal items contributed by Miss L. Pulsford and Miss Twohill were loudly encored, the latter's rendering of "For all Eternity" being delightfully sweet. * * • Miss Pulsford completely captivated her audience, and has wonderful command over her voice. Miss Amy Hyde acquitted herself very creditably considering the long train journey (from Wanganui) she had had on the ni~Ht of the concert, arriving- at the hall just in time for her item. Miss Hyde was wearing her two "old medals won at the recent Trinity College examinations at Wanganui. The violin solo, "Nazareth," was played in a maserly fashion b^ Mr. M. Gleeson. Mr. Dan Twohiirsi songß caught on with the audience, and he had plenty of work to do, and kindly took the place of Mr. HenJdry, who was suffering from a relaxed throat. * • » Mr. J. Hendersons sweet and cultivated voice was heard to advantage in "Beauty's Eyes," and Mr. C. Zaohariah brought down the house with his comic items. Mr. Henrichs, of the Dresden Company, played the pianola, which has not previously been played in public, and the audience watched the performance with great interest) and appreciation. A chorus was nicely sung: by eighty pupils of tihe Brothers' School. The orchestral music was provided by Mr. Oakes' orchestra.