THE POLICE AS " BODY-SNATCHERS."

Observer, Volume 5, Issue 123, 20 January 1883, Page 291

THE POLICE AS " BODY-SNATCHERS."

It is not often that the police are given to joking, but when they do struggle with a joke, and get it off, it is generally of the ghastliest' description. Here is a case in point. It will be remembered that a young man named Thomas Mason died some time back, rather suddenly, at his residence, Albert-street, after a fall down a stair-case while performing his duties as barman at the Nevada Hotel. The sapient jury brought in a -verdict of "Death from delirium tremens, brought on by measles." On Monday last a constable was roaming around?-. Albert-street endeavouring to serve a subpoanalbn " Thomas ■ Mason" to serve as a juryman afftthe Criminal Sessions of the Supreme Courf. l| the ghost of Tom Mason ever finds out t^at^jttac has been after him with a subpoena to serve as a juror at the Criminal Sessions, it will simply give him " the horrors " this time, which it is pretty certain he never had when a " crowner's quest" sat upon him in the flesh. When the police pursue a barman into the world of spirits, it is carrying the joke too far.

We present our readers with a portrait of this well-known cricketer, who so nobly sustained the honour of Auckland during the late cricket tour. Mr Barton is a comparative stranger in Auckland ; but, since entering upon his duties in the Bank of New Zealand, he has made his presence felt in cricket circles, and has shown ample proof that_ he is the best batsman in or about Auckland. We trust he will long remain with us, and represent the city in many a tough game. Mr Barton, i besides being a crack cricketer, has established a reputation as an amateur runner. He stands about sft lOiin, and is a thorough type of an active, lithe, exponent of field sports.