A JOKE RESENTED,

Grey River Argus, 31 January 1906, Page 4

A JOKE RESENTED,

There was an amusing incident at the meeting of the Christchurch Charitable Aid Board, on Wednesday, the 17th of January, arising out of the Waltham Orphanage inquiry. Some more or less enterprising person up in Auckland manufactures a "muscle raiser" for the rising generation, and he concluded that this was the time to improve the shining hour and get in early with a free advertisement. Accordingly, he promptly telegraphed to the chairman of the Board recommending his article. The chairman stated that he had received a telegram from Auckland, which stated . "Why don't you feed your poor little orphans on 'muscle raiser' and brighten and lengthen their lives instead of dressing them in Punch and Judy costumes. According to hirtory, Irish stews are not conducive to peace and happiness."

The effect on Mr Chick was ir stantaneous. He jumped to his fee and thundered out, "It's downrigl: arrant nonsense, it's ridiculous a' rant nonsense!"

Without getting excited, othr. members !were obviously annoyed After a few casual remarks as t the propriety of touching the doci ment whilst the orphanage inquii was still proceeding, it was move and seconded, "That the telegra: be laid on the table." This, hoy ever, would by no means appeaf. Mr Chick* "I will move as a amendment," he said with hea. . "That this Board having heard th; telegram instruct the secretary t write to the gentleman who sent r and tell him this Board is compose-.", of intelligent men and women, an-1 we fail to see the point of his joke, and if he cannot write anything more intelligent and sensible tha: that, will he kindly save his money, ink, and pen.' It is ridiculous an! I want to express my utter coi; tempt for any man who would pre sume to send such a telegram to <i Board supposed to be composed cintelligent people." Mr Chick the;, sat down, still breathing defiance

"I think it is meant for an advertisement more than anything else," observed the chairman.

"Well, I don't appreciate it," snapped back Mr Chick. Mr Harper wanted to have the document consigned' to the ravening flames, but the Board decided to show its contempt by ordering it to "lie on the table:"