JOHNNY GET YOUR GUN.

Evening Star, Issue 10342, 16 June 1897, Page 4

JOHNNY GET YOUR GUN.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir,— Knowing that you have always taken a lively interest in the affairs of Olago, I wish to know if you can tell me what has become of that old gun tint used to be located on the top of Bell Hill, from which the Royal salute was fired on the Queen's Birthdays? If it can be found I think it ought to be utilised to fire the Royal salute on the '2"2 ad when the Royal Standard is run up at the Town Hall. Now, sir, I will tell you why I am so anxious about that old gun. In the latter part of 1862 I was working at the Gridiron Hotel, which wa<i then composed of palings, paper, and calico, when the cost of board and lodging was £2 103 per week. The police barracks at tiat time was on the same block. Well, oje day some powder was about to be wasted. The late John Brannigan (then Commissioner of Police) sent up some troops to fire the salute. They found the gun in g >od order, but one of the wooden wheels on w lich it rested was missing. Thecomniandant sent his orderly to the police camp to ascertain what was to be done, so a policeman wis sent to me askiug if I could make a wieel in time to fire the salute. I told him I would do my best. Well, I made that wheel, took it to the camp, and gave in the account for s',5 ', and I have never seen the mm that gave the order or the money since. I would like to know what is the interest on 5? for thirty-five years at 10 pi-r cent. B;ing a subscriber from the first to your piper, and* knowing you to be good at figures, I would be grateful if you would kindly let we know what the amount is and how I can procure it. Then I will be able id keep an Al record reign.—l am. etc , Ben Wild£y. Cavershani, June 15.