“Public Spirited” Men

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume II, Issue 254, 31 January 1889, Page 4

“Public Spirited” Men

Two members of the Oamaru Hospital Trust had a little difference on a question of the responsibility of the Trust in regard to the salary of the medical officer, and from plain words each got to “ backing his opinion.” Mr Shrimski said : Dr Garland being the only applicant for the post, we are bound to appoint him. I give you my word of honor that if the Trustees refuse to do so, they are liable to pay the £l5O.

Mr Fleming: Your word of honor I Why your word of honor isn’t worth candy.

Mr Shrimski: My word is as good asyours any day. Mr Fleming : Yes, that might be. Mr Shrimski: I’m satisfied anyhow, that my word will hold good with yours any day. I’ll make you a bet of anything you like that the Trustees are responsible to Dr Garland for a year’s salary. Mr Fleming : What will you make it?

Mr Skrimski: I’ll bet you a suit of clothes.

Mr Fleming: Done. The bargain was clinched with a sounding whack of the fist on the table by each party. Here both became somewhat foggy as to what the bet was really about, and as the prospective strain on their financial resources was somewhat appalling the point was not cleared up, although several of the other Trustees endeavoured to elucidate it.