AS IT SHOULD BE.

Patea Mail, 9 December 1880, Page 3

AS IT SHOULD BE.

A farmer called on the late Earl Eilzwilliam to represent that bis crop of wheat bad been seriously injured in a field adjoining a certain wood whore bis lordship’s bounds bad during the winter frequently met to bunt. He stated that the young wheat bad been so cut up and destroyed, that in some parts ho could not hope for any produce. “ Well, my friend,” said the carl, “ I am w-ell aware that w-e have frequently met in that field, and that wc have done considerable injury ; and if you can procure an estimate of the loss you have sustained, I will repay you.” The farmer replied that, anticipatinghis lordship’s consideration and kindness, ho had requested a friend to assist him in estimating the damage, and they thought that, as the crop seemed entirely destroyed, £SO would not more than repay him. The earl immediately gave him the money. As the harvest approached, however, the wheat grew, and in those parts of the field which Avcrc the most trampled upon, the corn was strongest and most luxuriant. The farmer wont again to bis lordship, and being introduced, said, “ I am come, my lord, respecting the field of wheat adjoining such a wood.” Lord Eitzwilliam recollected the circumstance. “ Well, my friend, did not I allow you sufficient to remunerate you for your loss ?” “ Yes, my lord, but I find that I have sustained no loss at all, for where the horses had most cut up the land, the crop is most promising, and therefore I have brought the £SO

back again.” Exclaimed the venerable earl,“ this is what I like : this is as it should be between man and man.” Hit then entered into conversation with the farmer, asking him several questions about his family, how many children and what was the age of each. His lordship then went into another room, and on returning gave the farmer a cheque for £IOO, saying, “ Take care of this, and when your eldest sou shall become of age present it to him, and tell him the occasion which produced it.”