A PRACTICAL JOKER.

Oamaru Mail, Volume I, Issue 284, 21 March 1877, Page 4

A PRACTICAL JOKER.

Several American and Paris'an papers give accounts of the extraordinary proceedings of a French gyntteman of inttependaat means, whose one object in life appears to be to- worry Custom House Officers* He ftas returned to his native Paris, and everywhere railway oftkiats have been warned; of his pranks. "It-'itt Ma won't," says the Amerirttn ]te(piiit<tr r to pack at hog© trunk foil of trouaer-straps such, as are worn with gaiters,, using hydraulic pressure as if it were necessary to cram five bushels into a three bnshel space, then to tore the Inspector to open it as at suspicious package, when naturally the contents were overset, njidl the whole force of the Custom House was occupied in putting them bade. A Sowerfvil Jacfc-in-the-Box was another evice of his that was very successful/' Sot more than this is currently reported of this gentleman. It t» fits usual practice sometimes to leave a hamper of very high game at » parcel office, and not take ft out, simply sending messengers to enquire how the strength of odour was progressing. When the officers at the parcel office wbM ttbt''. endure the infliction any lender, and threw the hamper away, M. Vivtter would araear and politely request the return of his goods. Of courser, a great commotion would follow, whiu!t in #*eiy way wottld be prolonged by M. Vtvier to his intense secret delight. Appeals to Parisian Cuurts would be threatened against village officials, who

were warned of the nature o.' Cut cost?. On one octas'vn it is said t a -»». Vivi« r blandly asked an ohl lemon Lathing at Boulogne if I e had si»-n the shark. 1h» jtiwfnl hint sp cad :*ar and Nest day it npp<are I that everyone lad seen the monster. Nw on« l>atuwl. «■. Vivier s titled, sipped his Bordeaux, and took h s departure, thoroughly gratified. He had his powerful Jnck-in-tfse-Box with htm to meet all lits emergencies at the railway stations on the way. Another story is told «»f his appearing at the railway station with two valise, s. The officer enrtly enquired if they contained anything contraband. " Yon can see for yourself," said Vivier, blandly offering th« key. " What dots this one contain 1" " One rattlesnake," repUed Tivior, miMly. " And this 1" " Two rattlesnakes," answered the hnmonrist. in a pathetic voice. The officer started back, murmuring. A conference w«s held. The table of permitted articles was anxiously consulted. " No dnty on rattlesnakes for any number leas than fottr," grumbled the officer, after considerable research. " You may go." Vivier gently went.