MR RUSKIN ON BELLS.

Waikato Times, Volume XXX, Issue 2465, 28 April 1888, Page 2 (Supplement)

MR RUSKIN ON BELLS.

DtTRING tlie last few years a goodly number of extraordinary letters bearing tho signature of Mr ltuslcin have been published in tho newspapers; but his most recent eccentricity in thin direction outdoes all his previous efforts. A short time ago Mr liuskin wrote to u well known firm of irou and bell founders in London, making aomo inquiries about their bell metal, and expressing a wish to inspect thoir works. Now it is notorious that the author of Tin; Stones of Venice writes a h:ind which cin only be deciphered after long and patient study. It was therefore pardonable that the manager of the firm a'nou'd have addressed his reply to ''J. liuoker, Esq." The answer was to the effect that if Mr " Ruckor " meant " buna fuh business , ' he could inspect, tho works with pleasure, to-morrow if he liked. In addition to miscalling his correspondent, this gentleman committed three other heinous sins. Ho omitted to date his letter, he did not cross his t's, and he forgot to place the accent upon the last letter of the word bona. Upon receipt of this communication, Mr Ru-ikin " went for " that devoted manager. Here is a copy of his letter, registered, written iu peucil, and— be it noted—undated :—"Messrs and Co.—Gentlemen, —Have the goodness to copy tho enclosed envelope in your best business hand, with all the t's crossed like thai. I'll cross your'e for you in my way. And date your letter, as your ' to-morrow ' without a date may be next year, and is now. Here is your ' bona fide business.' I c.ire no more for

your blasted foundry than any other in hell; but I do care to know if your bell metal is good alloy or not; and I'll know whether it is or not without auy further trouble of yourc If you choose to isend me some to test—well; if not, I'll break up the bells you have sent to Mr

• and let you know the quality of it; and let the public know too.—John' Ruskix. Leiii'u, if you mean to have any more ' honn. fide business,' ray business signature. , ' The envelope enclosed in Mr Rusldn'n letter bore the following Kyriellc of titles and dignities: — "Professor Ruskin, D.C.L., L.L.D., F.G.S., Hon. Student of Christ Church, Oxford ; Hon. Fellow of Corpus Christ! College, Oxford ; and Member of the Academy of Venice, Royal Kent Hotel, Sandgate, Kent." The registered envelope which enclosed these communications was perhaps even more extraordinary. It was addressed :—" Messrs and Sous, Bell Founders (?), ]?ell Hangers (?), London, E.C. (?), or W.C. (?), S.W. (?), or S E. (?), Middlesex (?)."