A SATURDAY AFTERNOON TRAGEDY

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 57, 30 November 1929, Page 31

A SATURDAY AFTERNOON TRAGEDY

He joiqed the tram at Courtenay Place carrying a brief bag, which apparently contained something particularly precious, as he watched it with jealous eyes while it reposed under the seat in front of him. I deduced from the fact that it was 6.15 on a Saturday and from a pronounced and familiar odour as of hopflelds that my fellow passenger had been celebrating. Subsequent proceedings proved my deduction correct.

He was in a confidential and reminiscent mood, and informed me his bag contained a “Blue Peter,” which I understand is, a receptacle used to convey alcoholic refreshment for home consumption. The fact that this was necessary to supply his Sunday requirements was matter for personal resentment.

Thirty years ago, my friend informed me, a walk to Island Bay on Sunday morning was all that was required, mere being some written or unwritten law that after travelling two miles liquid refreshment could be obtained. Thereafter the journey would be continued round Queen’s Drive to the Kilbirnic Hotel, where, fo use his own words, “We Carried on the good work.” A spice, of variety was added to these oldtime Sunday excursions by visiting Kaiwarra. where there were, two hotels, and Ngahauranga, with two also. “Those, were the days,” he mused sadly. “We never missed a pub.”

He left the tram with his precious bag, carrying it as carefully as a young mother her first baby. Turning to wave a farewell he stumbled over the kerb when stepping on to the footpath, and dropped the bag. I have seen looks of pain, distress and horror, but never have I seen greater anguish than that which overcast the countenance of my fellow passenger.—J.E. ■