A JOLLY PICNIC.

Oamaru Mail, Volume I, Issue 266, 28 February 1877, Page 3

A JOLLY PICNIC.

ft « , An gentleman, who was on a visit to was invited to a picnic the other day, and his experience s are so entertaining tnafc it would bs a j>ity were they lost to our readers. It came about in this way : He met a friend in Dunedin, and after the usual ceremony of wishing each other " good day " was disposed of, lie was told that several young gentlemen had concluded to go for a day's pleasure to the reservoir, near Dunedin. He was asked whether he would make one of the party. Being a sociable, good-natured fellow, and having a very proper appreciation of the society of ladies, he consented. He looked forward to the day with anticipations of unmixed pleasure. At length, the lappy moment arrived, the party found themselves trudging T ip the hilly path that leads to the scene of their jollification. Being almost Brobdignagian in dimensions, he found the journey somewhat toilsome ; but consoled himself with the thought that his weariness would only enhance the pleasure of partaking of a refreshing draught of his favorite beverage when they arrived, at the spot chosen for recreation. Oh, how delighted he was to throw himself at full-length upon the green sward ; and what longing glances he cast towards the hamper that—he had not the least doubt of it—contained everything necessary to recruit his drooping spirits. The basket was opened, and out came a bottle of raspberry vinegar, then one of peppermint cordial, followed by one of cloves. With a beaming countenance, as he beheld the colored liquid, his friend said, " What will you drink ]" " Thanks," he replied, " I think I'll take a glass of beei\" Had he a suspicion that his request could not be complied with % No : like many others, whose ideas are entitled to respect, to his mind, picnics are always associated with a liberal supply of good malt-liquor. His surprise cannot be adequately pictured, tlit refore, when the raspberry vinegar gentleman informed him that lie was "sorry, but they never indulged in string drink." He, however, made the best of a l ad business, and diank copiously of nature's draught. Next day he was surprised on receiving an account from his liberal " cordial" friend, to the amount of " three shillings," which an accompanying note explained was his portion of the expanses of the " jollification," the whole cost being 245. ! Wo would not like to n produce, in our columns, the language he gave expression to. He is a good fellow, and seldom forgets himself to the extent of indulging in expletives. But this was too much. He was, however, equal to the occasion, and returned the document, endorsed, " Want particulars 'if account." He has, for good, disposeel that claim, and his liberal friends are ienated for ever.