THE WRONG SPEIGHT.

Colonist, Volume LXI, Issue 15075, 19 May 1919, Page 3

THE WRONG SPEIGHT.

— ij|_. . ; An amusing incident is relateS in connection "with the public career of Mr W. J. Speight, -whose death occurred in Axickland (says "Mercutio"'in the '"New Zealand Herald")- Forty years ago Mr Speight was one of the foremost temper•■ance workers in New Zealand, and j Grand Chief Ruler of the Rechabites of tne colony—it had not then attained the I dignity of a Dominion. One day the 'passenger list of an East Coast steamer, i-as telegraphed from a Southern port and I published, included the name of Mr Speight, without initials. The temperance institutions of Napier saw an opportunity of doing honour, as he passed jon his way, to one of their most distin■guished men. Accordingly, when the j steamer anchored in the Ahurirx.Roads —Nnpier had no wharf for large steamers m those days, and vessels had to be tendered in the offing—a strong deputation of blue-ribbonites put off in a launch from the shore, armed with a complimentary address for presentation. Arrived at the steamer the deputation formed in line on the deck, and the gentleman they sought was sent for. There' was, however, a surprise in store for them. "Mr Speight'' appeared in due course but instead of the head' of the llechabite Order he turned out to be Mr Speight,the well-known Dunedin brewer about the last man in New Zealand to ; whom they would,think of presenting an address of welcome.