HUMOUROUS MISTAKE

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12643, 31 December 1926, Page 4

HUMOUROUS MISTAKE

“HE WONT SPEAK TO ME” POLICE COMMISSIONER AT THE PICTURES "I’M CERTAINLY NOT THE BISHOP!” It is the practice of the Commito* sioner of Police (Mr W, B. Mcllveney) when ho has a few moments at his command to visit each of the picture shows within the city limits. Quite recently, in the course of his rounds, he entered one of the leading theatres, and standing for a minute or two by the entrance he became so engrossed in the film being shown that he decided to see it all. He took a vacant beat near the door, and liis attention was attracted by a lady and a gentleman who occupied the seats next to him. The lady, having taken a good look at him, suddenly addressed him in the following words: “Sweetheart, you’re not looking at me to-night.” No nnswer from the chief gu&rdiah of New Zealand’s law. The question was repeated, and once more there was no answer. After the third time the Commissioner turned to .the lady, nnd in his most courteous manner smilingly replied: “I do nnt know of any reason why I should address anyone in this theatre.” Whereupon he left the theatre. THEN THE SOBS CAMEI Later on he went back to the theatre and seated himself in the same seat, only to he disturbed by the gentleman who was rending the sub-titles aloud to his companion. The lady then created a diversion by sobbing audibly. Fur this she wwa chided by her friend, who told her not to disturb the people round her. However, her only reply was: “He won’t speak to me; he won t speak to me” —more sobs. Then, realising that the occupant of the seat next to her had returned she said. “You’re the bishop of my church, and you won’t speak to me. I’m too lowly for the bishop to talk to!”—more sobs. Thinking it was time to disillusion tho weeping lady, the Commissioner turned to her and said: “Madam, I am not a bishop.” “Y'ou are!” cried the lady. At this point the male companion took a hand in the affair and said: “lie is not the bishop—hut he is a gentleman.” For the second time that evening Mr Mcllveney hastily left the theatre. i APPEARANCES ARE DECEPTIVE “It is a strange thing,” remarks Mr Mcllveney to a ‘•Times” representative yesterday, “that although I have been taken for a bishop, a doctor, a banker, and a floorwalker, I have never once been taken for what I am.” It might be added, in passing, that ti e Commissioner is said to be a striking resemblance to a well-known bishop in the Dominion. Certainly those who have seen Mr Mcllvoney ir. his well-known morning coat and bowler hat, and who have seen his jovial smile, would never take him tor the Commissioner-in-Charge of the New* Zealand Police Force. Perhaps it is just as well. Had he not looked more like an ecclesiastic than an astute official an exciting incident might not have iecurred in the office of the Chief of Police at Pan Francisco when in company with another well known WVlington resident, Commissioner MoIlveney was touring the State. But that's another etorgl