An Old Timaruvian.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 5027, 7 June 1889, Page 3

An Old Timaruvian.

A correspondent in the course of some rambling notes (o the N.Z, Herald thus refers to a former landlord of the Timaru Club Hotel. “Talking of the Hutland Hotel, reminds me of a good story concerning a “ boots ” belonging to tbc establishment. He Boots was a nobleman in disguise, and, notwithstanding the blackening character of his occupation, was tbc essence of civility and cleanliness. After his “ Hay and Mai tin" duties were over, he was in the habit of shining in broadcloth and belltoppcr, parading the hotel in all the glory of a “ Idled shirt ” and gold studs, a bowling swell in short. One day a cab drove up to the hotel, and He Boots, with bis usual politeness, opened the door. A gentleman alighted, and glancing "at Ho Boots, said, “The landlord, I presume.” “ .No, sir ; lam the boots,” replied the shiner of shoes. And the gentleman exclaimed, “Great Scott! wliat is (ho proprietor like ? ” It is not recorded what he said when he saw Parsons. Another gentleman mistook Parsons for the boot?, and gave him five shillings. Yet another, thinking ho was the waiter, gave him sixpence, for which the worthy and distinguished proprietor touched his brow on the place where the forelo k was wont to grow, and said, “Thank you, sir.” Mr Parsons I may mention, is the Mayor of Wanganui city, and a right good Mayor too.”