THE GOVERNOR AND HIS MINISTER.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 4439, 11 June 1875, Page 3

THE GOVERNOR AND HIS MINISTER.

The Adelaide Express of the 27th April writes :—"An eccentric business man of Adelaide, about a week ago played a joke which had a purpose beyond that of mere amusement, upon a licensed victualler of Port Wakefield. As he was travelling on a commercial tour he was not altogether satisfied with his bill of fare at Boniface's establishment; so, determined to have a better table on his return, he telegraphed, under his own signature, from a northern • township, that the Governor and one Minister were coming. The landlord made every preparation to receive so illustrious a visitor, and having informed his fellow-townsmen of the promised appearance of her Majesty's representative, all the J.P.'s, officials, and principal men of those parts assembled to give a loyal and hearty welcome to their ruler. Knowing that his Excellency had been on a visit to Melbourne, they were puzzled at hearing of him in that part of our colony, but supposed he had returned in a steamer that went first to AVallaroo instead of Adelaide, and that he was making his way overland to the metropolis. In due time the Adelaide trader drove up, and was perhaps a trifle startled to see the gathering of welldressed and expectant colonists who had been brought togetherthroughhisagency; buthetook the matter very coolly, and entering the hotel, was pleased to find the landlady and her assistants all smiles and ribbous, aud to know that a banquet, comprising all the delicacies obtainable in that neighborhood, was ready. He was warmly thanked for his telegram, and on being asked about the Governor, he said—' Yes, lam the Governor, and there' (pointing to a Congregational parson who had accompanied him on his journey) 'is the minister.' The publican and the public felt considerably sold, and their facetious vendor might not always find it safe to play such pranks. Port Wakefield, however, is a very quiet place, and any little excitement, even if in the nature of a sell, ought to be welcome there. Then the spree drew custom to mine host, and his guests, under the influence of festive enjoyment, forgot their disappointment."