A BAND OF GYPSIES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 14809, 12 October 1911, Page 9

A BAND OF GYPSIES.

[FBOM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.] London, September 1. Because they are foreign, and because foreign Governments are sometimes harsh to their subjects, the warm-hearted Britisher has opened his arms once more to an incursion of aliens who would bo regarded very suspiciously in New Zealand. The other day it was reported that a band of Gaiician gypsies, about 120 - strong, proposed to cross the channel and make Great Britain their wandering ground for the next few years. Those of them who are more than 15 years old left Galicia 15 years ago the rest have joined by natural accretion since.. They are picturesquely dressed, so the Britisher has a soft spot in his heart for them. "We wear these extraordinary clothes on purpose to create curiosity," one of them candidly, admitted to a reporter. , '* It .is good for our business." Their business will be to travel

the country in smaller bands doing tinkering . work, mending pots and pans, and generally adding to the difficulties of the handy men who ' already find it bo hard to make a living and keep out of crime. The whole community paid rent for a yard in Baitersea, and settled down there in surroundings which were quite regardless of sanitary provisions. 'Within a few hours they were ordered off by the sanitary, authorities, and they have now made their headquarters in a house at Wandworth, for which they will pay £170 a year rent. • ' 1 ,v'' 1