A HASTINGS CAVE DWELLER.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1425, 22 June 1899, Page 36

A HASTINGS CAVE DWELLER.

Net long ago. says a London newspaper. Hastings had a huge sensation in the shape of a- traveller lately returned from Thibet, wlto performed strange ceremonies in his front garden and adored grotesque idols with diamond eyes. Through the enterprise of a social pressman he was handed over to a relative and conveyed to a place of safety—that is to say, a. lunatic asylum. The charming Sussex town has now another sensation almost as thrilling, in the shape of a veritable hermit. For the last . five years he lived in absolute seclusion in an old tool-house near the coastguard station. About a year ago his humble, domicile was pulled down by order of the authorities, and tlie eremite had to cast about for another place of abode. He found it in a cave on the liu'l side, where he has lived ever since, subsisting on roots, nuts, and raw vegetables. Sitting in the cave, which was furnished with nothing bub o. small library of classical authors, an old soap box. and a few rat and rabbit traps, the recluse told a reporter that years ago he was in business in*the City, and that his name was Hancock. Tie claimed to be closely connected with a famous Q.C. bearing the same name, and declared that he renounced commerce and the world at tho same time in consequence cf the treachery of a friend for whom ho had stood bail, and whose failure to meet liis obligations had destroyed his financial stability and bis faith in human nature. The man, who is about 50 years of age, declared that lie is quite happy, and that lie only desired to be left in peace.