How I Cheated Death.

Free Lance, Volume III, Issue 156, 27 June 1903, Page 12

How I Cheated Death.

IT all happened at the time — in 1864 — when the West Coast la> in the throes of a great gold boom. Gold fever had broken out— that terrible and awful disease which grips the soul, stunts the mind, and banishes for ever the finer qualities that dwell vi the hearts of all Englishmen. Farms were being sold up and foisaken. in order that their owners might join in the search for -the yellow metal and in the front of a great, motley throng, which comprised lawyers, doctor tradesmen, station-hands farm-laboui-ers, and swaggers, etc., I found m\self on the road to fortune— or failuie When I look back across the yeais as a new -chum jacke-roo standing upon a hill might gaze wistfully across the stietch of bush and scrub that he had tried so hard to convert into a faim and homestead, but which has defied him and his dogged perseverance— w hen I look back the whole seems like a hoind nightmare. Once I had been well off, with friends and funds, but at the time of the West Coast rush I had neither. Theie was a party of about thirty men, of various descriptions, who had formed themselves into a sort of little company, and to these I joined myself They included a doctor, a lawyer, fanners settlers, and swasgeis — among these latter being myself A large dray carried our swags billies, and stock of provisions, but, after takinf things easily for some sixty miles beside the Hurunui river, we weie forced to shoulder our swags and trudere on in the old-fashioned wav The first part of the road, which led through some magnificent bush, was not only easy, but enjoyable, because of the surrounding scenery, which wa« decidedly beautiful, but when we got into the big timber the wet and the mud were far from pleasant Yet those are things which even' dieeei must not only encounter, hut be piepared for After doinp several days, we camped for a while at Lake Brunnei and getting over the saddle of the hills, stiuck a larw p^lade of about five hundred acres w hero- some of the diergers before us had left their hordes, not being able to take them further, because of the roughness of the track Whilst in camp there we had a very hard time. It was raining incessantly and at nieht, before turning in wo often had to wring our blankets because of lenoated «oakings The days went on The maicli continued, and we soon discovered that our provisions were becoming rapidly

exhausted, and as it was not possible m those days to stuke a place at the light time where we could replenish it was not a pleasing prospect. As x\ c pushed on, n o came across men weak, weaned, and wasted, who had been cruelly left b> then strongei and moie energetic comrades to peilsh, and after to let their bones bear witness of 'man's inhumanity to man ' These derelicts weie only kept alneby the little bits of food which the pasome diggers bestowed on them and uhich Heie rabidly devoured Such was the state of the track that it ever sets me w ondenng how in the name of Providence, I managed to push on wih the rest, instead of gn ing in. Oh, is it not wonderful and really marvellous what a man can do when he is forced bv Fate into eircumbtances which necessitate that he should stand on Ins. feet and live, breathing the puie air of heaven 01 he dow n and die like a shot haie At last we arrived at Hokitika, oxpoetms, hoping to obtain a good night's rest on a clean white dry bed but no — even this was denied us — nothing but tents met our eye*, Six of our narty — conn ados in misfoitune — pitched our tent on the beach, and, setting- the billy over a fire of driftwood, two of us went off in seaicli of tea, sugar etc. Meat we could not afford our means would not allow of such extravagance, so we had to be content with damper. One bv ono mv mates went off having bought up claims, which I was unable to do bv leason of being penniless. After the hardships I had 10contlv undergone I was far too weak and ill to woik My money and provisions were all gone my clothes hung m rags and tatters upon me and m\ boots — what remained of them — chafed and bhsteied mv feet so that walking became a torture Weak and hungi-" and in absolute despair to me thero «eemed nothing: but to lie down and die As I crawled alone the track imagining that all the world know of m\ downfall and pitiful condition the blue skies mocked me, and it. seemed as if the very birds derided me a<a a fool for o-reedilv pursing a phantom whose name was Gold. The first day wau-ed. Oh ' how r long and dreary it was, and in the dusk a passing diggei hailed me 'Hullo mate ill 3 " "Stirring; the end's neai " I muimured. 'That's «o. is it p Heie, take this 1 " handing me a weka, or wood hen and somo flour "Good-night " ''Thanks mate Good-night '"

The sight of food restored me so that I was able to crawl back to my patched-up tent, light a fire, and cook the bird ajid make some damper My lccollections about that bird are a tufle hazy but I do not remember if the bird was thoroughly cooked before I tackled it. Ido not think it was, so eagei was I for a bite. A night's rest did me 1 a world of good and I felt decidedly better, but when the drowsy feeline of seep massed off with the mists of the morning, the awful truth that T was foodless once more burst upon me. I man a ore d to crawl out again along the beach, certain and sure that the end had come in stern reality, and that ore long I should meet with King Death. As I straggled along beside the sea, before my uncertain vision loomed a dark figure and, with all the breath in my body, I gave one awful civ and fell on the soft sand and seaweed insensible. * * * When I awoke, it was broad daylight. The sun was streaming in through a gap in the tent roof above me. and far away I could see the clouds, like so many boats sailing in a sea of blue. "Well, mate, how are you now ?" And, looking up to see who the speaker was I heheid the face of my old school-chum and comrade Tilhe. Thus it was that I cheated Death and even after the lapse of years, a chill coes down my back at the recollection of it. — W. Francis Chambers.

Mr. Charles Giosvenor Blooie, who has for some time occupied a lesponsable position in the employ of Messrs. Macdonald Wilson, and Co., has severed his connection wath that firm, in order to become a partner in the auctioneering business of Messis. Rolfe and Co., Waipawa. Last Saturday evening, a few of Mr. Blooie's numerous bachelor friends entertained him at supper, and presented him with an address of farewell, together with a very fine pair of sours, which it was hoped would be the means of spurring him on to fortune. ■* ■* * ' No Song no Supper" lately figured on the invitations of a popular hostess to an evening party Everyone wore a badge illustrating the name of a song, and prizes were given to the one who guessed the gieatest number of living riddles • • • The engagement has been announced in Southern papers of Mr. Percy Macassev and Miss Alice Fraser, both well-known and popular residents of Dunedin * * * Here is a strange custom from a foreign land "At Norwegian State balls the ladies who intend to dance wear white dresses, those who do not a,re expected to appear in black " What about the. ladies who expect to dance, and do not p But, perhaps in Norway 'wallflower^" aire unknown, and partners plentiful. « ♦ * The Harbour Boaid was "At Home" on Friday last^a.t least the officials were. Tins enjoyable annual re-union was held in the Druids' Hall, about one hundred and forty guests being pi esent. A powerful committee with Mr. A. Banks as secretary, worked very haid to ensure its success, and right well were their expectations realised. Me-ssrs. Gifford, Ahem and Robinson made very efficient Ms.C. , their rosettes were in blue and white, the colours of the Board. The music, by Miss Haw thorne's Band, was pronounced perfect. The dances were interspersed with solos from Messrs. Innoss, Bailey Thompson, and Probyn, and were much appreciated. * » • Some beautiful gowns were worn. I noticed Mrs. Penfold, in amber and black; -Mrs. Ahem, m cream and yellow , Mrs. Bono, in red satin , Mrs. Parsonage, cream silk • Mrs. F. Robinson, black brocade and Maltese lace , Mrs. Jeffries, lemon silk , Mrs. Rogers, black siatm and lace. Miss Helen Cooper (debutante) looked charming in cream, as also did Miss Gezzi in a sweet gown of white frilled muslin. Miss Mallumby was well gowned in black satin, with prett" sequin embroidery , Mrs. and Miss Major, the former in black silk, and the latter in a delicate cream, were much admired. » * • Miss Tattle wore cream to advantage Miss Cooper cream, with point de Alencon lace. This was considered d very pretty grown. Miss Woods looked very becoming m black , Miss Harding, in cream . Miss Fry (Wanganui) wore turquoise silk, with insertion, Miss Furness white silk, frilled, and satm ribbon. » • ♦ Amongst the gentlemen were Messrs Waters, Norwood, Sylvester, Cooper, Mcßnde, Cook Mowtell, Furness, Ambridge and Penfold ♦ * « The Japanese officeis have made themselves most popular in the Australian cities, and both officers and men took a lively interest in everything about town. Fifteen little tairs entered a store, and, after much gesticulating and explanation, the amnsed shopman realised that, they required one packing needle. They were very much struck with the system of distributing change, and remaaned w atching the work for an hour The cash registers also aroused their interest. * ♦ * But the Australians could not lesist the temptation to have a little bit of fun at one of he officers' expense, and Melbourne "Punch" tells a good story there anent — "One of the little Jap officers was badly imposed upon bv a batch of practical jokers of a decidedly mean kind during their stay in Melbourne At a social function gotten up for the benefit of the Oriental visitors, those of the Japs, who had had little or no experience of European sodaJ life expressed a good deal of surprise at the costumes worn by the laches, low-cut corsages seeming to them to be the quaintest things in the w orld . The iokers told the little officer hereinbefore alluded to that the lownecked dress was a symbol of a woinaru's standing in society, the lower the cutting of the dress the higher the position of the wearer, so that the lower the bow of the gentleman presented to the wearer. The subseouent conduct of this little officer gave the jokers w ild

delight. They noticed how nicely he modified or elaborated his bow accoidmg to the out of the evening dress before him but when a bounteous lady, whose robe Avas quite surprisingly decollete, sailed up, the amazed foreigner almost bowed to the ground, and the miserable jokers could restrain themselves no longer, and fled to the smokeroom to laugh in comfort « • • ' The Ja>p. followed them. 'What rank that lady 5" he said. 'Oh, a countess,' replied one of the romancers. The Oriental elevated his eyebrows, thought ior a moment, and then queried innocently, 'Hm\ much clothes one Empress wear, eh ?' " * * ■* Mrs. Bustowe (Karon) gave a large and veiy pleasant afternoon tea at her residence, on Wednesday last "Advertisement Posters" provided much amusement and exercise for clever brains. It is most provoking w hen memory plays you false, and an advertisement yon have probably seen all your life goes nameless. No doubt all tlhese competitions will in time make us observant, and cultivate our memories to a. remarkable degree. A veiy dainty afternoon tea wasi provided, the table being charmingly decoiated with eailv sprm • flowers. * • * The subject of "dominoes" monopolises much of the conversation now-a-days and many fascinating varieties of this mvsteriousi wrap will make their appearance at the much-looked-forward-to ball, so shortly to eventuate. In the olden days a domjno was a, simple gaiment of black or grey sateen, but now- the daantiest of silks in pale shades, and even Roman satin, will make then appearance, so the ball should be delightfully pretty. * • * Mrs. C H. Mills entertained a very large number of guests at a most enjoyable "At Home," on Wednesday last, at her residence, "Wairau." The pretty rooms were warm and bright, and large bowls of yellow chrysanthemums and hydrangeas, were artistically disposed. Afternoon tea was laid in the dinang-room, the table being laden with delicious sweets, and decorated with silver bowls of chrysanthemums and maiden-hair. Some enjoy able music was contributed by Mrs. Rudman and the Misses Howard and Crowther, the accompaniments being tastefully pla,yed by Miss Mills. Miss Rebe Ridhardson's recitation was also very much enjoyed. * • * The guests were received by Mrs. Mills, who wore a handsome black gown relieved with white, and her daughters, who were most attentive to their guests. Miss Mills woie black, with trimmings of lovely pink and white embroidery. Miss B. Mills was in a rose pink voile skirt and silk blouse. Miss O. Mills's becoming gown was of blue voile, w ith a deep lace 1 collar, and Miss Grace looked very nice in tussore silk. Many smait and pretty gowns w ere w orn by the guests'. Mrs. Seddon was in black, and a black hat Miss Seddon, a tailor-made gown of dark blue cloth, strapped with spotted panne velvet, and a very becoming hat Miss May was wearing a striped tweed gown and turban hat. Lady Ward looked very w ell in irongrey zibelme, beautifully made The coat was finished with moss green velvet, in scroll design, and applique of ivory lace The skirt was made with a hip cape, and also piped with green velvet a lace cravat and becoming hat w ith green velvet hem were also w-orn. Miss Fraser (Dunedin) also wore one of the smartest tailor-made gowns of dark cloth much piped with

white, and a black picture hat. Mrs. Fitchett wore a caracul coat, dark blurt, and black hat. Mrs. Macintosh was in black, Miss Partridge, a grey costume, and grey and white hat. Miss Thomas (Ohristchurch) was beautifully gowned in cream, voile, with lace vest, and black picture hat. * * • Mrs. C. Tnngham wore a lovely gown of blue zibeline, with hip yoke, beautifully-made coatee strapped with laoe, and a very becoming hat of nutbrown straw and autumn' leaves. Mrs. C'haytor wore a dark gown, and bright red hat. Mrs. Sprott wore a handsome silk coat and voile gown. Mrs. Hales wag in aJI black ; Mrs Tuekey, black gown, and bonnet relieved with turquoise blue. Mrs. T. G. Macarthy looked exceedingly nice in a royal blue frieze gown, with a handsome lace collar and pretty hat. Mrs. R. A. Loughnan w r ore a gow n of cinnamon brown, and hat the same shade, Mrs. MaJoolm Ross in a long grey coat, pi]iod with white, black voile skirt, and close-fitting hat. • • • Mrs. Findlay had on a dark cloth gown, Mrs. W. Nathan, a tailor-made costume and Miss Nathan was m blue, with panne velvet. Mrs. Stafford's cow n was much admired — a dark zibeline, beautifully made, and finished with bands of Eastern embroidery. Miss Stafford adso looked very w ell in, bright led, with tnmmmers of spotted panne,, and a red hat , Mrs Butt, in black Miss Butt, a. coatee and skirt of smoke-blue frieze. Miss Halse wore sagre-green cloth, effectively trimmed with bands of embroadery. * * * Mrs. Clarke-Johnson was in black and w lute , Mrs. Ronayne, a handsome blaok gown and hat , Miss Ronayne, a dark blue costume , Mrs. Hall-Jones, in black Miss HaJl-Jones, in brown ; Mass Crowe, a long coat, dark skirt and black hat , Mrs Bannister in black, relieved with white ; Miss Bannister, a pretty russet-brown dress and hat. Mrs. Mackay wore a uxjue, relieved with pink, and a handsome black gown. Mrs. Macarthur wore a gown of black zibehne, with bands of black and white panne, and a black and white toque. Mrs. Wynne-Williams wore 1 a red hat, a soft silk blouse, and cloth skirt. • • • Mrs. H. Lyon wore a dark cloth gown, and Miss Lyon looked well in, brown. Miss Howard (Auckland) wore a stylish black cloth gown, and picture hat , Mrs. J. Bkmdell, in black , Miss J. Blundell a pretty cloth gown- Miss N. Barron, a dark gown and pretty hat Mrs. Stealey wore a tailoT-made gown, and black and white hat, Mrs. Glascow (Dunedin), in brown cloth, and a felt hat ; Mrs. and Miss Logan, the latter m gre" Mrs. Samuel, mi a stylish gown, with lovely jewelled trimming on the vest. ; Mrs. John Holmes, handsomely gowned, and Miss E. Holmes, m a becoming cloth costume, relieved with white. Many others were present, but the time passed so quiokly, with fortune-telling bv one of the guests, music, and ping-pong, that many pretty gowns were unnoticed. • # • Mrs. W. Clifford (Blenheim^ and her daughter are at resent m Wellington, having come over to see "Sweet Nell,' and are staying for a few days at the Royal Oak Hotel. • * * The seventeenth annual ball of the Wellington Guards took place at the Druids' Hall on Wednesday last, there being more than two hundred guests present. Dancing was kept up until the early hours of the morning. A noticeable feature of the ball was the effective decoration of the hall. This was obtained by the artistic use of a profusion if -reenery and gay bunting.

stage was airaoged as a "drawingroom, and looked very cosyj with pretty settees, wicker chairs, and mam y lovely palms and ferns. Prominently displayed on the stage were a number of handsome trophies won by the corps for shooting, etc. On the walls of tine hall were hung numerous photographs of past and present members, and. these proved a great attractaon to some of tlhe guests. • * « The floor was in -eixcellent condition, and. the music (Minifies) everything thait could be desired. The supper arrangements (Mr. Godber) were excellent. The Ms.C. were Lieut. Smith, Col.-Sergt. Bould, and Private Wight, who,, with the secretary (Corp. L. Jones) were untiring in their efforts to promote the guests' enjoyment. The following officers attended.- Colonel R. J. Collins, officer commanding ; Capt. and Adjt. Hal-court (Staff), Captain Dutihie (Guards), Lieut.-Command. Menzies (W.N.A.), Lieut. Smith (Guards) Sergt.-Major Scarsfield Colclough. Next week the gowns worn by the ladies present will be published.'

On Wedneslay next, July Ist, Messrs. Turnbull, Waitkins, and Williams, real estate agents auctioneers, etc, will submit to public auction, m their roams, 3, Panama-street, sixty-one magnificent building sites at Berhampore. The property to be offered has a frontage to Adelaide-road, and is situated directly on the electric train route to Island Bay and is on the first installation plan for the new tramways — one of the first extensions to be laid. • ♦ • Every street in this block is fully formed, 66ft. wide, with concrete kerbed, and channelled footpaths. Drainage, water, and gas mains are laid to the property, therefore everything is m readiness for thie builder to continence operations as quickly as the secrion or sections are acquired. The terms offered bv the vendors of the oropertv are the most liberal ever known for property of this' descriptionno interest for the first nine months, and then only 4£ per cent, per annum on the unpaid purchase money. With these gilt-edged inducements, Berhampore ought to be rushed. • • • Mr. J. W. M. Harrison, whose school of physical culture has proved such' a success, announces the commencement of a new term on July Ist. The open night displays by meimbers and the ladies and girls' classes have been much appreciated, as also have the afternoon displays by the children's olasses. Mr. Harrisons Sandow classes have become quite the vogue, and he has obtained the services of that well-known athlete, Mr. Brown Parker as a boxing instructor. Altogether, Mr. Harrison has six hundred pupils,' and is instuctor to most of the schools in Wellington. I-Ie is now in the seventh year of his local experience. • * « The Yerex and Jones Company want to say that the Columbia chainless bicycle having stood the test of Wellington weather for five yearn, is. a good machine, and cheap withal considering its advantages'. It is constructed to keep good under any meteorological conditions.