LARRIKINISM.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2318, 21 August 1880, Page 3

LARRIKINISM.

s » - • A correspondent of the “ Lyttelton Times” writes ; —Some few weeks ago, in one of our country districts, the Lev. Mr was returning from an appointment some twelve or fourteen miles from home, on horseback on a dark Sunday night, Avlien lie was somewhat surprised while nearing a bridge not far from ins house by hearing a sort of rustling noise, as though some beast or large bird was endeavoring to make its escape from a supposed antagonist by hastily shifting its quarters to the nearest hiding place' On coming near to the spot, the gentleman observed something lying across the bridge, which appeared like a human form, surrounded by a light, the source of which he could not see. At first his horse started back and was not disposed to go on to the bridge ; the » rider in consequence found it necessary to dismount and lead the animal, and upon closer inspection found the obstruction to be two logs of wood, one of which being somewhat decayed, gave forth a strong phosphoric light. Mr was now fully convinced that the whole thing was the result of larrikinism which prevailed, and was becoming a growing nuisance in the neighborhood ; and having an idea that the perpetrators were not far away, he determined, if possible, to discover the offenders. He carefully searched one end of the bridge he was about to recross, when bis borsc made a sudden start back, twitched the reins out of his hand, and made for home. This mishap contributing to his previous annoyance, led Mr to v search with greater earnestness than before, and while among the scrub ho observed something moving behind a flax bush. Armed with a supplejack, he began to lay with all diligence on the moving objects. This unexpected appeal to their larrikin sympathy caused them to clear out of their den with speed. Two leaped into the creek and sought shelter under the bridge, the third took to his heels, while repeated appeals from the supplejack added very considerably to his terror and agility, more especially when he left the road, and was trying to squeeze himself between the sliprails in a gateway. He was, however, k goon captured,and then got such a thrashing (interspersed with short lectures on

cnormitj' of the offence) ns he never experienced before, and probably will never forget to ‘he day of his death. He was then compeii 'd lo go to the nearest •house for indeniidealion. The reverend gentleman felt that having preached the tr os pci of peace during the day, it was necessary on this occasion to supplement las labors by. administering the law at night, und indeed it seems much good was done by that day’s effort, for we learn that larrildnisra thereabouts has entirely disappeared, while the larrikins themselves are no doubt wiser if not better men.