FATHER AND SON

Southland Times, Issue 19290, 8 July 1924, Page 5

FATHER AND SON

ROMANCE IN REAL LIFE TRUTH STRANGER THAN ' FICTION STORY OF A WEDDING PRESENT (Per United Press Association.) AUCKLAND, July 7 A romance in real life has been revealed here. Some four years ago, a man, who had been reduced to employment as a hotel porter, inherited considerable property and went to England, which he had left some 22 years previously, having then divorced his wife. Returning to New Zealand, the man purchased a country property near Auckland. One day there came to him on busines a young man, whose features seemed familiar and a conversation led to the discovery that their homes were originally in the same part of England. Some inquiries regarding the maiden name of the young man’s mother led the older man to speak disparagingly of her, at which the younger man grew indignant. Finally, the elder told the younger that he was the former’s son. Afterwards the elder confided to a friend that what made him admire the boy was that he had stood up for his mother. The father determined to test his son, so did not divulge his actual financial position, though friendship developed betweea the two who met frequently. Then the son invited his father to his wedding, but the latter refused very gruffly. The father refused point blank to take any part in the ceremony. The lad was plainly hurt and then the older man told him gently that there were certain reasons why he did not wish to go, “but,” he said, “I will be pleased to meet you and your wife afterwards.” Then, telling his son to wait, he went to the table, wrote for a moment and handed him a sealed envelope. “Give this to your wife after the wedding to-mor-row,” he said, “do not let her open i before.” When opened at the stipulated time, I cheque for £lOOO was revealed.