A Well-Known Character.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 6781, 25 August 1900, Page 4

A Well-Known Character.

Many residents here will remember John Burke O'Brien, who was again in evidence on last Wednesday, this lime in JDunedin. At a meeting of Benevolent Institution Trustees on the day named, he sent the following letter to llie trustees : — " Benevolent institution.—To the Chairman and Gentlemen Trustees, —As you intend to advertise for a warder at £35 a year, 1 respectfully apply for the situation, and can give first-class reference. I hold the responsible position of head warder in No; 3 ward. If appointed, I will give £20 a year out of my salary to some able-bodied inmate, who would do all the dirty work, which I would superintend and see it done properly. With reference to my medical exueriences, I wish to Btate thatl was under Surgeon-Gi-neral Stokes, of the College of Surgeons, Dublin, in 1854, where I met with an accident from a collision with a policeman's baton, which knocked out a portion of my. brains. Dv Stobes filled up the gap with a portion ot a mad doctor's brains, who was dying at the time. I got wounded in the back at the Battle of Bulls Kun, America, in 'ti3,. I have been in all the hospitals of New Zealaud with broken ribs, broken legs, black eyes, broken head, nnd numerous other complaints, external and internal, too numerous to mention. I burnt in tho great fire of Chicago. I have been in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Timaru, and Dunedin Hospitals. In each I was given up— no hopes for my recovery—being above 66 temperature. In all these hospitals I have cured myself, thereby saving a most valuable life by my own subscription—brandy and milk 24 times a day. Gentlemen, I had the honor of shaking hands with his Excellency Lord Eanfurly, and the Hon. R. Seddon, Premier of New Zealand, which I hope will be a sufficient guarantee for my respectability. I remain, Gentlemen, your humble servant, John Burke O'Brien. Should I be appointe.d, 1 would require £5 in advance to buy an outfit, I regret I cannot call on yon personally, as 1 am a prisoner by order of Mr 0. Allan for three months; not even permitted to go to Church on Sunday, and, if not appointed, would thank you very much if you would grant me a pass to Timaru, where I can get work.—J.B.O." It is needless to say that the application was not entertained.