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Otago Daily Times, Issue 27092, 28 May 1949, Page 6

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FAMOUS “ ORPHAN QUOTATION ” GIFT FOR TIMES READER A few weeks ago a correspondent asked the compiler of “ Verse for To-day ” to “ provide me with a poem concerning someone who passes by.” This, of course, was the famous “ orphan quotation,” beginning, “ I shall pass through this world but once,” the author of which has been said to be everyone from Shakespeare downwards, but whose identity still remains an intriguing literary mystery. As a sequel to the publication to the quotation inquired for by the correspondent, who gave his name as “ Mr Jones,” Mr E. R. Klitscher, of Naseby, has forwarded to the Daily Times office an illuminated transcription of the quotation, with a request that it should be handed over to the correspondent. It is a strikingly artistic piece of work and, no doubt, the first thing the fortunate recipient will do with it is to have it framed, Mr Klitscher some time ago compiled a centennial history of Purakanui, a splendid example of his craftsmanship, which was certainly unique in the realm of centenary publications, and which earned for the artist the highest praise.