A CLERGYMAN IN AN AWKWARD FIX.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2676, 23 June 1894, Page 3

A CLERGYMAN IN AN AWKWARD FIX.

The risk which people may run by acting upon conclusions too hastily formed received a curious illustration on the 6th instant (says the Sydney Morning Herald). A Presbyterian minister, residing in one of the western suburbs, came to town, and when in York street met an old acquaintance, who appeared to have just emerged from a wholesale drapery warehouse, outside which stood a horse and buggy. The acquaintance was a draper in a country town, who had formerly been a country traveller. In the course of conversation he made known his desire to get a cheque cashed, and inquired whether the clergyman, being better known in the city, could introduce him to someone who would oblige him, the banks being closed. The minister acquiesced, and said, “We will go at once if you’ll drive,” concluding that the turnout belonged to the ex-bagman. The latter, fancying the trap was the clergyman’s, said, “All right,” seized the reins, and drove with his friend to a shop in King street, where the draper’s paper was negotiated. It was only natural that the success achieved should be duly celebrated, so the companions drove on to Oxford, where both alighted. They were about to enter the hotel when the clergyman, showing a cautiousness which might well have been displayed at an earlier stage, asked his friend whether the horse would stand. “ Stand !’’ exclaimed the draper, “ isn’t it it your trap ?” “ No,” responded the minister with emphasis; “ isn’t it yours 1” Another answer in the negative knocked the proposed rejoicings on the head, and brought consternation to the speakers. They determined to drive back to York street as speedily as possible, and make restitution of the property which they had appropriated. Unfortunately for them the owner, a carrier, had missed his trap, and had already reported the matter to the police. At the corner of Pitt street the carrier espied his vehicle, with the minister and draper in it. He at once demanded of a constable that they should be locked up. Explanations were attempted, but it was considered that a police station, if not a police court, would be the best place to settle the difficulty. The parties accordingly went to the lockup in Clarence street, followed by a crowd. The affair was then discussed and satisfactorily disposed of, the minister and his friend making their apologies. The clergyman afterwards explained the facts to the crowd, who cheered him when he took his departure.