MISTAKEN FOR A BARBER.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2234, 15 May 1880, Page 3

MISTAKEN FOR A BARBER.

Mr Thomas Bracken, the well-known editor of the “ Saturday Advertiser” and Eoet-laureate of New Zealand, has just ad the mortification of being mistaken for a barber. The editorial sanctum is next door to a barber’s shop, and as the variegated polo projects from between the two establishments customers are apt to be led astray. The “ Advertiser ” supplies the following account of Mr Bracken’s adventure: —A morning or two ago, a herculean Milesian, with stubbles on on his chin half an inch long dropped into the sanctum while my friend was writing in the throes of an editorial. Walking boldly into the sacred precincts of the snuggery the unshaved one dropped into a vacant chair, and exclaimed in language more forcible than polite, “ Come on, bad luck to ye, come on.” My friend jumped up in a state of indignant astonishment, fury gleaming in his eye, and the ruler twirling in his hand, “ What the deuce do you want here ?” he shrieked. (It may be observed that a train of beautiful ideas had been scattered by_ the intrusion of the unwelcome visitor.) “ You’ve betther be civil or be-gog I’ll go over an’ get shaved at the shop op-posit, beyant the sthreet there,” replied the unsophisticated stranger. The absurdity of the situation so struck my friend that he burst into a hearty laugh, and explained to the intruder that although it was part of his business to lay on the soap and use the scissors at times, he was rather an awkward hand with the razor. He then directed him next door, where in a few minutes he had his stubble mown to his entire satisfaction.