TURNCOATS!

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 13453, 1 June 1907, Page 5 (Supplement)

TURNCOATS!

jO.vj; night shortly before the English Hous of Commons adjourned for the Easter holi ■days a scene that was more than farcies occurred in the Chamber. Two of the most respectable member were seen with their coats off, and with staid old policeman standing between then The two had been downstairs to wash the; hands, and by some mischance had chanj ed coats. They went into the House together. On of Jiiem, putting his hand into his cos pocket, pulled out an old briar pipe of ver strong flavour. It was not his. He looke 1 at the coat, also that of his neighbour, an< turning to his friend, said: ' " Excuse me, but I think you have pi ' on my coat." ' " I beg your pardon ; I have done nothin '• of the kind." ' " I think," replied the other Parliamei tarian, "this is your pipe; and if you pi ' your hand into the right-hand pocket < ; the coat you are wearing you will find ' cigar-case." " Dear me!" was the reply, " you ce ' jtainly are right. What shall we do'!"" We cannot change in the Huose," ol '(served the first member. "Let us go in! | the Division Lobby." I Here is where the policeman came ii , Seeing the two facing one another, and, ; . the same time, taking off their coats, tl ; policeman feared the worst. He rushe • up, and, placing a hand on the shoulder i • each, said: > " Gentlemen 1 Gentlemen! Not hep please!"'