A SKETCH FROM LIFE.

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 220, 21 July 1917, Page 2

A SKETCH FROM LIFE.

Ten years ago it dawned upon him that the breathing space of London was too limited, anu", in order to be more comfortable, he set out for the "Lonely Isles." Arriving at the Capital City he was advised by the oldest inhabitantj' that better opportunities offered in Canterbury, so thither he went. The vicinity'of Longbeach was graced by his presence for some months, then the the desire for a change obsessed him. Alighting at Taihape station he took observations. Ah! at last was the spot he had so often seen in his dreams. He decided to cast an anchor. Those times he was the London city man, from the Norfolk" cut oT Siis suit to the gloves, cane and sigar. Getting accustomed to his surroundings, a desire to earn a weekly wage overcame him and he donned an old suit. London had seen him a West End salesman, but now, from choice, he blossomeU as a knockabout artist. Time wore on, and we saw him handling a shovel, taking billiard scores, polishing windows and stacking the receptacles from which the quarts of "Kaka" had departed. Good-heartedness and an abnormal appetite were the sole obstacles in the way of his ever becoming wealthy, sj;ill he wore his smile "of contentment and increased in weight. Continuous walking saw him develop a Robert Pedl stride and wear a ten boot. Alas! a sprag is put into the wheels of his catch-as-catch-can life, "Bill" Massey .has a suit of khaki for him. To the surprise, of the Main Trunk he is passed as fit and now the prospect of his once more seeing the "big smoke" is rosy. Should Be reach his native soil may the family reunion be a happy one.