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Observer, Volume 2, Issue 37, 28 May 1881, Page 397

Young Sibbin, who was apprenticed to Atkin, the printer, has left him under rather amusing circumstances. When the boy's five years were up Atkin wished him to stop ; but Sibbin, who was going into his father's store, declined. This refusal annoyed Atkin, who is rather a peppery old party, and the youngster — a bright, clever lad — seems to have discovered the fact. Anyhow, he went to his "case," and, procuring a deep-edged mourning card, set up the following affecting notice. :—

SACKED TO THE MEMORY: OF

Young Sibbin, Who departed this office on Wednesday last (after five years of severe affliction borne with Christian patience and resignation). Deeply regretted by his fellow printers. Ye printers dear weep not for me,

I am not lost but gone before. As luck would have it, who should come up whilst the iinishing toiiches were being put to this "gem of purest ray serene," but Mr. Atkiu himself, and a nice rage he was in. Instead of laughing at the joke, he vowed vengeance against young S., and, declaring the card was calculated to injure him in his business, threatened an action for slander. By this time no doubt he has cooled down, and when he sees the story in print we fully expect he Avill be as lnueli amused as anyone.