PROFESSIONAL BEGGARS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 4462, 8 July 1875, Page 3

PROFESSIONAL BEGGARS.

(From “ Strange Tales.”)

George Brine, one of the oldest mendicants; and one who has cost the country much expense, declares that nine out of ten beggars and tramps make it a profession ; few individuals escape being fleeced by one or other of this fraternity, and on some of na they have imposed a considerable tax. The visitors of one of our Rochdale benevolent societies had great anxiety and trouble -with one of the “ Plops,” who had become suddenly and painfully afflicted, in a low lodging-house. Ho 5 was daily attended, and provided with his expenses, a doctor, wine, and many other comforts. The doctor could not define his malady, or give him any relief; week after week still found him in great pain. A wag, who understood a little of the mendicant’s profession, hearing of tjio case,, undertook to cure him for and went with two of the visitors in the capacity of a medical man. He felt his pulse, examined his tongue,shook his head, looked very solemn, declared it a bad and dangerous case, but thought he could give him relief ; addressing the sufferer, he said, “ Well, my poor man, you seem to be in great pain, but I think we can soon make you better. You must have your head shaved, covered with a large mustard plaister, and ten leeches on your temples ; also mustard planters must be laid on your back, chest, and bottom of your feet; and we will have all ready for you about ten in the morning. Goodbye, for the present.” The only answer from the sick man was a pitiable groan, but he disappeared that evening, and has not been seen in Rochdale since. One of the “ Highfliers” recently honored me with a letter, with the following request:— “ Worthy Sir,—Perhaps there is nothing so painful as for persona once in affluence to ask for pecuniary help ; it is distressing, and I know very humiliating ; but necessity has no law. I cannot make my case known to my former friends ; therefore I apply to you for

the email loan of five pounds, which in nine months will be gladly returned fourfold. Pray do not ask my name, but have faith in my veracity, which will be an evidence there is one man carrying out the Scripture injunction, ‘ Him that would borrow of thee, turn not empty away.’ Direct two letters, containing half-notes, different handwriting, to S. V., post-office, Bradford ; and you will one day be glad when you find whom you have helped in time of great need.” An answer was sent, but not containing the half-notes. It brought back a reply anything but complimentary to myself. One of the “ Wheezers,” whom I had often seen in several villages nursing a sore leg, took great pains to call attention to his infirmity by having the slop of his trousers cut open about one foot from the bottom, and the leg wrapped with calico above and below the sore, leaving the red mattering part as visible as possible, and generally standing with one foot on the curbstone, moaning and rubbing the bandages. This man one day came to my office in a new character. It took him a considerable time to mount a dozen steps. The effort was so great that ho sat to rest in the middle of the stairs, and on arriving at the top he seemed greatly distressed, panting fearfully for breath ; to make himself look more ghastly he had a piece of white linen wrapped round his head. Standing before him I said, with as much gravity as possible, “ My dear sir, I do not think wheezing will pay as well as your sore leg did. You should have taken a few more lessons before you set out ; you rather overdo it, by panting so heavily and opening your mouth so wide, and, if you overdo it, people will suspect you, and not give you anything. If you will step down the stairs, and come up again rather quicker, pant rather less, and not open your mouth so wide, you will be more natural, and make more money. Now, just try again ; X think you will mend it next time.”

He stopped wheezing, and, looking at me with evident confusion, said, “ Have you been one ?” Then turning round, he was quickly down the stairs. On reaching the bottom he burst out into loud laughter, and with a good strong voice called back, “ I think you have been one.”