AN OLD TIMARUVIAN.

Timaru Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 4560, 8 June 1889, Page 3

AN OLD TIMARUVIAN.

A correspondent m the course of jonm rambling notes to the xVef Zealand, Herald thus refers to a former landlord of the Timaru Club Hotel .—Talking of tho Rutland Hotel, reminds mo of a good story concerning a <r boots " belonging to the establishment. .Do Boots was a nobleman m disguise, and, notwithstanding the blackening character of his occupation.was the essence of civility and cleanliness. After his " Day and Martin" duties wero over, l'e was m the habit of shining m broadcloth and belltopper, parading lha hotel m all the glory of a " biled shirt " and gold studs, a howling swell m short. One day a cab drove up to the hotel, and De Boots, with his usual politeness, openod tho door. A gentleman alighted, and glancing ;'at Do Uoots, said, " The landlord, I presume." ">'o, >'w ; lam tho boots," replied the shiner of shoes. And the gentleman exclaimed, "Great SeMt! what is the proprietor like ! J " It is not rororde.'i what he said when he saw Parsons. Ano'.hcr gentleman mistook Parsons for the bootf, and gave hiui live shillings. Yet another, thinking he was the waiter, cave him sixpence, for which lha worthy and distinguished proprietor touched his brow on tho place where the forelo k was wont to grow, and slid, " Thank you, sir." Mr Parsons I may mention, is tho Mayor of Wanganui city, and a right good Mayor too.