THE WRONG COFFIN.

Lake Wakatip Mail, Issue 1523, 19 March 1886, Page 3

THE WRONG COFFIN.

Eecently two Chinese living in houses side by side, died, and their sorrowing relations made preparations for performing the funeral rites. The people living m the one house were of the well-to-do class, and ordered a 12dollar coffin. Those in the other dwelling were poor, and at their wits'-end to obtain " longevity boards," While they were considering the best means of obtaining the needful, some coolies came along with a coffin and inquired if anyone was dead in that hoose. On being answered in the affirmative, the coolies told them they had a coffin for the dead man, and having deposited it in the house, left without further questioning. Meanwhile the folk in the rich man's house were wondering why the coffin they had ordered for their relative and paid sl2 for had not arrived, so after waiting a considerable time, they sent to the shop where the purchase had been made, and asked for the delivery of the goods. The coffin-shopman said he nad already sent it, and it had been delivered as requested. This led to inquiries being made, and it was found that the article had been delivered at the wrong place, namely, at the poor man's house. By this time the poor man was safely de* posited in the rich man's coffin, and • the lid bad been nailed down. Such being the case, the body eould not be taken out again, so under the circumstances the rich man's relations claimed the fulfilment of their bargain with the coffin-maker, who had to comply.