AWKWARD FOR THE OLD LADY.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume X, Issue 1089, 20 June 1882, Page 4

AWKWARD FOR THE OLD LADY.

A ludicrous though very unpleasant incident happened at the Otaki river during the trip of the coach from Wellington to Foxton a few days ago. There was a big flood in the river, and the back-water had formed a minature lake, in the midst of which the coach was stuck. It became absolutely necessary to lighten the vehicle, and hence the passengers had to disembark and be carried to dry land on the backs of the coach horses. It was raining in torrents, and the horses were dripping with water. Amongst the passengers were two fashionablydressed young ladies, and a lady over three-score, and who would turn the scales at eighteen stone. The horses were brought to the coach door, and the young ladies got astride of them The position was decidedly uncomfortable, but the maidens took it all in good part, consoling themselves with the philosophy expressed in the words “ What can’t be cured must be endured.” Then came the turn of the fat old lady. Two gentlemen had much ado in getting her astride of the cold wet coach horse, and much pity was felt for her at first. A Maori volunteered to ride behind her on the horse to keep her from falling off. She bore it all calmly until she came into contact with the cold, wet hair of the horse, and felt the arms of the Native around her. Then her patience “ caved,” and she let loose a volume of abuse upon the Government and the coach proprietors, which would have drowned them had they been present.— “ Rangitikei Advocate."