A SMART COACH PROPRIETOR.

Observer, Volume IV, Issue 84, 22 April 1882, Page 83

A SMART COACH PROPRIETOR.

A good story comes from Tauranga. A certain Sir and Lady Blank arrived there recently on their way, and as a preliminary to their future enjoyment, they hired a buggy and four from one of the Tauranga coach proprietors. It was engaged for the trip, and they were soon on their way to the Lakes. They remained in the wonderland of the South Pacific, for about eight weeks, and during that time they found plenty of amusement in the inspection of its beauties, and in watching the natives diving for half-crowns which they freely sprinkled into the baths. They appeared to have plenty of money to spare, and distributed it with a bountiful hand. Their coachie and vehicle remained with them until they set out for Tauranga on the return trip, and the little account was duly presented before leaving Ohinemutu. The worthy pair expressed astonishment that they were charged for the hire of the buggy at so much for every day since they left Tauranga. They protested that they would only pay for the days it had actually been in use, but as this would only have been about one-eighth of the original amount, it was indignantly refused. My lord threatened an action for extortionate charges, but the coachman, who had driven too long in America to be " had" determined upon a plan of his own. He kept very quiet until reaching Tau-x-anga, and then drove straight to the Resident Magistrate's Court. Innocence of the nature of the business transacted inside prevented the passengers from expostulating, and the driver, apologising for the delay, left the vehicle outside and hurried into the building. ITive minutes later, when the passengers were becoming impatient, an official-looking gentleman issued forth, and with his blandest smile, served the occupants of the buggy with a writ for the amount of the debt. The cute coachman followed, and quietly gathering up the reins, drove the couple down to the steamer which -was preparing to leave the wharf. It is enough to say that the debt was liquidated within the next ten minutes.