THE END OF THE WORLD.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume IX, Issue 980, 21 September 1881, Page 1 (Supplement)

THE END OF THE WORLD.

An eccentric old gentleman in Lincolnshire, aged 83, is (says the St. James' Gazette), it is stated, so firmly convinced of the approaching end of the world, that he has ordered an immense balloon to be made for his own convenience, by means of which he hopes to witness the destruction of the planet without sharing the fate of its inhabitants. He will take with him in his ascent tinned provisions, brandy, sodawater, claret, and other creature comforts in sufficient quantities to meet his requirements for three years, by which time he calculates his life will come to a natural close. He is of opinion that among the debris of the world will be several large fragments, on one"-of which he will be able to effect a descent at an opportune moment, and find a refuge for his few remaining years. He proposes to take with him no companion but a gamekeeper, who has been long in his service, and for whom he has a great regard. He has, however, warned his faithful retainer, who is only 52 years of age, that when the provisions in the balloon are exhausted he will have to shift for himself, and may, therefore, in three years’ time be without means of subsistence. Having made these arrangements, the old gentleman is perfectly calm, and indeed cheerful. “ I shall,” he declares, “ get on better without the world than with it.” ’