A High Old Time.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XII, Issue 3914, 16 September 1891, Page 2

A High Old Time.

The Argus reports that a peculiar ruse was practised on theßailway Department last week. A telegram was recoived >n the following terms:— "Am coming to Melbourne. Please send pass. (Signed) , Minister ot Railways." The pass was promptly dent, and duly received, and the holder travelled o>er several of the Victorian lines, thoroughly enjoyed himself, and made a call on some of the prominent officials at Spencer-street. Wherever he went his name and position were sufficient to command civility, attention, and even hospitality. On the North-eastern line he made it his business to inspect some ot the stations, and rejoiced the heart of a station-master whose face not long ago was very familiar at Spencer .at. The visitor told this officer that he was well pleased with his management of the station and the admirable manner in which the books were kept, and that on his return to Melbourne be would certainly recommend him to the Commissioners for well- deserved promotion. This kind promise promptly won the hospitality and gratitude of a warm-hearted Irishman. Subsequently the visitor travelled over some of the western lines, visited the principal stations, and paid similar compliments and nade similar promises to the station masters. Everywhere he was well seceived, and spoken of as a thorough gentleman, At. one place he called on the mayor of the town, and was shown the sights and was treated to champagne, which, however, did not agree with him. When about to take bis leave of the mayor he fell in the mad, and "having left his portmanteau in Melbourne," he had no change of clothes. The mayor, however, who has a brother in the drapery line, very soon provided him with another suit, for which he would accept no payment. The "Minister of Railways" then returned to Melbourne, and as before stated, called on some of the officers at Spencer street. There it was discovered that the department had been trapped by an impostor, whose only similarity to the Minister of Railways jq question consisted in his surname.

EUROPEAN APFUES. The Czar aal Czarina Visit Berlin. Berlin, September 14. It is reported that the Czar and Czarina wiil visit Berlin on their way home from Copenhagen, London, September 14. A force of British troops has been landed on the island of Lesbos, in the Northern Aegean Sea, and has taken possession of the place. Constantinople, .September 14. The reported arrest of the late Vizier, Kiarail Pasha, is untrue. The Sultan assured Sir A. White, British Ambassador, that no modification of policy was intended, and that he was firmly bent on peace. Further aggression by brigands is reported from Pavlokivi, where tbe stations were attacked, and two Turkish gendarmes were killed. Rome, September 14, The Marquis Rudini has assured an interviewer that the Dardanelles incident would create no trouble. In his opinion Europe was likely to enjoy peace for many years. The entire German army is now armed with the new rifle.

St Petersburg, Sept. 14,

Enormous sacks have been placed in the Cathedral of Euzan for the recoption of scraps of food for the famine districts.

The occupation of Mitylene (Lesbos) by the British has affected the Paris and Frankfort Bourses.

The Daily News correspondent at Constantinople says that Turkey has not thrown herself into the arms ot Russia, as is generally feared.