AN EX-PADRE’S STORY

Taranaki Daily News, 13 April 1928, Page 7

AN EX-PADRE’S STORY

TALE OF '‘HARD-CASE'’ CORPORAL. A good story was told by the Rev. R. J. Young, vicar of St. Mary’s Church, when welcoming ou behalf of the Hawera Ministers’ Association the Rev. E. S. Emmett, newly-appointed minister, at the Hawera Methodist Hall last night. After giving a formal welcome and assuring the Rev. Emmett of the cooperation of the association, the vicar said the ideal of Christian work was co-operation in the community in the common purpose. The Ministers’ Association strove to promote that object. “If we each do our bit the work is done,” he said. As an ex-padre connected with the New Zealand Artillery section, the vicar said he came in contact with a “hardease” corporal, who, in expressing thanks for a good turn the vicar had done him, said, “I’m not much good at this Biblebanging business, but if you want anything stolen come to me.” The vicar was surprised but expressed thanks. After the armistice there had been a lot of gambling going on in the camp, and the vicar had been asked to do what he could to stop it. He did little good until he remembered the promise of the corporal, whom he asked to help him. The following conversation ensued: — “Yes, what do you want stolen; a horse, a saddle or what?” —“No, I want the crown and anchor board.”

“That’s a pity, padre, its such a nice little school.” “Never mind; I want it.”

‘‘You’re a hard-ease man, padre, but I’ll get it for you,” and the padre got it. Later the corporal was *to sail and came to bid the padre good-bye, asking, “Have you still got the crown and anchor board?” The answer in the affirmative prompted the further question, “Are you using it?” “No, not just now.” “Can I have it!” “No, I want to keep it.” “You’re a hard thing, padre.” “The corporal waved a hearty goodbye apparently swallowing his disappointment,” said the vicar, “but when I went back I found he had gone through my kit and the anchor board was missing.”