Archie the Alligator

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 264, 7 November 1938, Page 2

Archie the Alligator

Archie, a ten year old alligator, who is a resident in Brighton’s Aquarium, recently distinguished ..himself by a feat, which, besides providing him with some publicity in the London Press, is not, one feels, without significance, states the Christian Science Monitor. Archie was hungry. So, having extricated himself from his tank, he traversed no less than 150 yards of winding coi ridor, and reached at last his destination—the employees’ messroom. What a lesson in etiquette to his tribe! Formerly, A crocodile Upon the Nile, Annoyed at getting thinner, Asked podgy James To tea and games, And made him stop to dinner; but, to-day, the eminent Saurian, such as Archie must now bo considered, is acutely aware of tho conventions. Correctly attired —if not in a white tie, at least in a tailed coat —he delights to submit himself to the more formal rules of the messroom. It appears that, owing to some prejudice, Archie was not admitted to membership of the mess; and, naturally, he was upset. One hopes, all the same, that the staff will not entirely fail to perceive the delicate compliment to their example and influence, and that they will look with an understanding eye upon the aspirations of Archie. QUITE SIMPLE. Painter: “But, madam, how can 3 make a portrait that resembles you from these two photographs? One was taken in 1910 and the other recently.” Lady Client: “Oh, I thought you could take the face from one and the dress from the other.”