Greek Met Greek

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 124, 19 February 1938, Page 3 (Supplement)

Greek Met Greek

My grandfather used to tell many amusing tales of life on the Thames goldfields. One of his best concerned Mick O’Keefe, a well-known prospector in the early days. Mick pegged a claim up one of the creeks, but after working it hopefully for some time came to the conclusion that there was

no gold in it. Through a local broker he offered it for sale for £5O. . No buyer was forthcoming, and Mick, still working the claim, felt that something would have to be done. One day he came dashing down into the township clad in his mining clothes, and sweat pouring down his beaming face. Straight to the broker he went. “Mr. ,” he cried, “don’t sell that claim of mine. I think I’ve struck it at last! The broker was shrewd and not over scrupulous. “By Jove,. Mick, I m sorry,” he said, “we’ve just sold it this morning!” The old miner looked crestfallen. Full of sympathy the broker wrote him a cheque for £5O, less commission. Mick lost no time, in presenting it at the bank, and, having done so, no longer looked sad. — W.J.H. (Hastings) •