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Wairarapa Times-Age, 2 November 1938, Page 5

“I have been rebuffed on occasions, but never so effectively as by a Guardsman on duty at St James’s Palace,” said Mr H. J. Thornton, when recounting some of the sidelights of a recent tour overseas to members of the Nelson Education Board. Mr Thornton said he was having an early morning walk in London and, passing St James’s at about a-quarter to 7, he wondered if the guard outside the sentry box could be induced to talK with him. After looking up and down the street to make sure no one was about, he said to the Guardsman: “Er, excuse me; are you ever allowed to talk?” “Immediately the Guardsman sprang to attention, with a rattle of accoutrements and a loud clicking of his heels, as only a Guardsman can,” said Mr Thornton “Looking very straight ahead the Guardsman replied, ‘Very seldom, sir,’ upon which he returned to the stand at ease position, and I had no option but to apologise and continue on my I way.”