NEW ZEALAND CHERRIES.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1563, 10 March 1887, Page 3

NEW ZEALAND CHERRIES.

Inventiveness will amuse others than those who are familiar with the flavour of New Zealaud cherries:—A fruit dealer in Market square, Capetown, incensed at the liberties taken by loafers with his wares displayed at the door, placed half a gallon of oyenno pepper pods in a basket, labelled it " Now Zealand Cherries," and hung it in a conspicuous place in front of his stand. In a few minutes the next door merchtnt naunterud up, inquired how trade was, pioked up a New Z»alend cherry, placed it in his mouth, and suddenly left to attend to a customer. The Rev. Dr. Bolly next rounded to, observed that the yellow fever news from Memphis was not very encouraging this TiorniDg, and—ah !it had been years since he had eaten a New Zealand cheiry; whereupon he ale on*, remarked that it was superb, wiped his weeping eyes on his cost sleeve, supposed that New Zealand was getting warmer every year, wished the dealer good morning and departed, lamenting the weakness of bin eyes in the sunlight. A chronic dead beat then came up, took a mouthful of cherries, splattered them out, with an imprecation, all over the fruit, stuffed a pear, a banana, and a bunch of grapes into his mouth to take out the taste, informed the dealer that he would hove him prosecuted for keeping green fruit, and went down the street to the pump. A lady with two children next appeared, stopped to admire the cherries, asked if she mightn't taste them —she had never seen any before—supplied the children and walked away ; wajked away wiih a face fiery with Room ami anger,'while the phildren set up a howl that brought all the people to the doors and wiudows, and drove all th« policemen off 'he street. Thun the fun went on all the morning. The fruitdealer nevrr laughed so much in bis life. The occupan'B of the adjacent shops and a shoal of small boys soou learned what was up, and watched and joined in a ringing roar as each new victim tried the cherries*. Finally a solemn looking country gentleman lounged up, enquired the price of them 'ere New Zealand cherries, invested in a pint, and having tasted them upset the stock, in-trade, apd H'wenfc for" the dealer, who had to beat a hasty retreat, much to the delight of the small boys who had congregated in the viciaity. By this time the fruiterer had learned that it is a very clever man that oan play a joke for any length of time without in the end being found out.

The Standai ' .'-"ranee Company have declared a divi, » i "f 7£ per cent. Mr r>'ic!c'<iy c.\ ••'eta *'' b« «b'« '» m '••' , savingd in the sheep department lu me extei.t of £3OOO per annum. ! A relegrmn from Musterton states th-it both the Borough and County refusH to pay the contribution demanded by tlio Dibtrict Board, on the ground that the nßSP6Sinent is ineqintub'e. A plot of freehold land in Elizabeth st-cet, MeJboume, 28 feel 7 inobes waa B<>l<l at auction recently for £BOO per foot. As an instance of advance in the value of city properties, the last sale in this block realised only £IBO per foot. " Dog Oribbage" is tbe last means devised for whiling away the tedium of a journey. One fellow takes the right and the other the left of the road*, and counts the dogs. The developments of tbe game oaused much exoitement. Dogs turn upinthemostunaoeountable manner—in ladies' arms, peeping out of doors, and through windows. Some cross the road before they soore for one party and are secured by the other. Passing cross streets affords infinite amusement. When the destination or some given spot is reaohed the respective numbers are taken aad the loser shouts.