Maoriland And Syria

NZ Truth, Issue 973, 19 July 1924, Page 3

Maoriland And Syria

GABRIEL AND RACHAEL DON'T AGREE. (From "Truth's" Palmerston N. Rep.) When Gabriel Sasien, one of tho well-known Syrian hawkers of Pnlmerston North, commenced to rub noses with a very promising • Maori widow, and agreed to share his profits v/ith her, ho did not think that tho flower of love would so quickly wither as to prompt him to leave his Raohacl without even her bread and butter. However, thero It was, and Gabriel shuffled forth unwillingly . , when his name was called at the Magistrate's Court lust week, charged with being m arrears of .maintenance to the extent of some £12. It was not till his name was called that ho thought of a solicitor, iand when his eyes roved around the room thoy sot upon Lawyer Joe Ongley. Pushing the summons into the solicitor's hand, he invited him to go ahead. Gabriel got into the witness, box, and pitched a tale about his "sl-at" (he has sciatica badly), and stated that he had given up hawking to take on, the more strenuous pastime of gorse grubbing. As ho only earned £1/7/(5 per week ho couldn't pay. Mr. Cooper represented the darkeyed Rachael, and between him and Gabriel during a short period of crossexamination, the Court was m flts of laughter. , Mr. Cooper: Where are you working? — Mouanui. Where?— Oh, you go and found out. This was the stonewall to every awkward question. ; After a while Gabriel thawed sufficiently to lament his having married a Maori widow. Tho Magistrate said he should not have done this; and, instead of offering sympathy, feentonced the old chari to 14 days' hard, with provision for release upon payment of the maintenance at tho rate of 6/- per