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Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 5, Issue 227, 17 November 1916, Page 2 (Supplement)

A BEL STORY. At Hatlield House. the residence <>f the Marqu'P fo Salisbury, tiioiv is a line apiary. One day in spring the beekeeper discovered that one of his hives was queen less—not an unusual occurrence at this season of the year —so he forthwith dispatched at note to a London dealer, requesting him to supply a nesv qneon at or.fe, and at tlio* same time asking that a wire should be sent saying when lie might expect it. In due course the telegram cainc -'is requested, worded: "Queen will arnvo 11.20."

This important item proved too much for the telegraph clerk to keep a.Il to himself. He told two or three friends. These in turn to'd their friends. And by the time the 11.20 was due to arrive, the station and ts approaches were thronged with an expectant crowd. anxious to catch a glimpse of royalty. Presently a well-appointed equipage arrived from Hatfield House, its sole occupant the apiarM. Walking on to the platform just as the train drew n to the station, the beekeeper was hauled by the guard a little box, which he placed Hi his waistcoat pocket. Then lie drove off, bearing the "queen" with

Not till long afterwards did the good people of Hattic'd learn how, a.ll unwittinglv, of course, thev had been "had." '