Statesman and Flower-Girl.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVI, Issue 82, 11 April 1904, Page 4

Statesman and FlowerGirl.

MR CHAMTJEKLATN'R EXPERIENCE AT MAUSKIU.US.

Mr Chahifot?rlain , arrived at Marseilles lust month, eti route for Egypt, by the spucial P. and O, train from Calais. The ex-Minister, who wore a grey coat, did not look at all fatigued by the long iournev. It was remarked, the Daily Mail correspondent telegraphed, how younglooking he appeared. As he" and Mrs Chamberlain traversed the quay to the steamer Mongolia, a flowergirl asked the statesman to buy some violets. Mr Chamberlain tendered a silver coin in payment, but the! flower-girl refused it, K-aying it' was a damaged one, whereupon Mr ChamlxTlain handed back the flowers and passed on.

After he had gone on bpard someone told the flower seller that her customer was the great English statesman, and she ran after 'him and blushingly, offered him her excuses.

Mr and Mrs Chaiuiicrluln crossed the gangway, and those in waiting on the deck uncovered. The right hon. gentleman refilled to their salutations, and he and his wife went below to tho cabins, four of which were reserved for him specially. A French journalist who went on board asked him his impressions of tho journey from London. " I am deaf and dumb," ho replied, as ho smilingly passed on. Mr Chamberlain is travelling under the name of Richards; and he and his wife did not appear on deck again before his wife saiied at noon. The passengers on toard the Mongolia included Admiral ftir Gerard Noel, who was going out to take command of the British sojundron in the Far Fast,