“PIPES OUT.”

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2288, 17 July 1880, Page 3

“PIPES OUT.”

The Melbourne correspondent of the “Sydney Evening News” relates the following good story : —“ While lam taking about Service, I must tell you a little anecdote, which I can safely say is quite new, as well as being quite true. No one enjoys a grim joke more than he—only it must be grim. Well, be walked into the Melbourne Telegraph Office the other night ; and it seems that of late, after seven o’clock at night, all the operators have been allowed the privilege of smoking in the office. It is no doubt soothing to the lovers of the narcotic weed, but, in truth the office has a somewhat unofficial look when these gentlemen arc in the full enjoyment of their evening smoko. It so happened that as Mr Service entered, the ‘ operator in charge’ was enjoying a short black pipe in the manager's room, and not knowing the mighty Premier by sight, he puffed contentedly away. ‘ls the manager in ?’ demanded the stranger. ‘ No,’ carelessly replied the official from behind a dense cloud of smoke; ‘is there anything I can do for you ?’ ‘ Yes ; I want to speak to Mr M'Gowan, the superintendent—there is a wire to his house.’ A little amazed at the stranger’s knowledge, the official led the way, and taking hold of the ‘key’ prepared to send ti e message to Mr M‘Gowan, as desired. It was this—‘Just stepped into the office. Found operators all smoking. The one who is transmitting this lias a dirty clay pipe in his month. Issue instructions forthwith forbidding .same.’ 1 What name, sir?’ said the trembling smoker. “Oh, I forgot, James Service and then he walked out.