A HIGH OLD TIME.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 3014, 7 November 1891, Page 5 (Supplement)

A HIGH OLD TIME.

The " Argus " reports that :i peculiar ruse was practised on the Railway Depart* meiit last week. A telegram was received ia the following , terms :—"Am coming to Melbourne. Pleaso send pass (Signed) ,Minister of Railways./ The pass was promptly sent, the duly received, iind the holder travelled over several of the Victorian lines, thoroughly enjoyed himself, and made a call on, some of his prominent officals at Spencer streeet. 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 of the stations, and rejoiced the htart of the station-master whose face not long ago was very familar at Spencer street. The .visitor told this officer that he wan well pleased with the management of tho station and the admirable manner in which the boolcH were kept, and that on his return to Melbourne he would certninly recommend him to tho Commissioners for well-de-served promotion, This kiud promise promptly won the hospitality uiid gratitude of a wurm hearted Irishman. Subsepuently the visitor travelled over some of the western lines, visited Home of the principal stations, and paid similar compliments and made similar promises to the stationmasters. Everywhere he was well received,and spoken off as u thorough gentleman. At one place he called on tho mayor of the town, and was shown the eights and treated to champagne, which, however, did not agree with him. When about to take his leave of the mayor he fell in tho mud, aud" having left hie portmanteau in .Melbourne," he had no change of clothes. The mayor, however, who has a brother in the drapery line, very soon provided him witli another euit, for which he would accept nt payment. The "Minister of Railways" then returned to Melbourne, and, an before stated, called on some of the officers at Spencer street. Then it was discovered that the department hud been trapped by en impostor, whose only similarity to the Minister of Railways in question consisted in his surname.