An Afternoon's Outing.

Observer, Volume 9, Issue 554, 10 August 1889, Page 18

An Afternoon's Outing.

HOW AUCKLAND MASHEKS DO IT.

Time, about 1.30 on a Saturday afternoon. The usual stir in Queen-street was just commencing, breaks were rolling up, 'buses with fresh teams appeared, tram cars were seating their first instalments ; groups of men and maidens, and youths barely, and youths more matured, all were on the gui vive for Potter's paddock. A movement once made and the exodus soon became general. It was about this period that he sailed down the street and he unmistakably " had them on," hat, Eiffel collar, gloves, and stick — not forgetting the spats, with an air that would justify owning the whole country. When he met " Dolphy," Dolphy was going up and carrying the same importance. They met. " Ah, my boy I" said Dolphy " what's to be done this afternoon? Football, eh?" Chris looked a bit glum, put his hand unconsciously into his pocket, but said nothing. Seeing a tram starting, Dolphy said : " Let's jump in ; we can frank through to the ground." Chris was looking more uncomfortable than ever, and at last said, " Pact is, old man, I am properly cleared out. You might lend me five bob ; it is only two days to screw day and then we will square it!" It was now Dolphy's turn to look glum, for he had started for his afternoon outing with half-a-crown only. They, however, by dint of pushing their fingers further into their gloves, made up their minds to plunge for the next tram, which they did, and seated themselves with that lordly air which wealth and affluence alone can give. They arrived on the ground, but preferred the paddock to the stand, liking to be on the move ; besides it circulated the blood, you know ! It was a grand game — one to be remembered, and when the final whistle blew, Dol and Chris made for the gates. Just as they got into the road they were hailed by a brother-mash from the top of a bus, " Come along, Chippies, plenty of room." "N-o, N-o, thanks," cries Chris, " got rather chilled looking on at the game, going to walk — want to get an appetite for dinner." They walked—but Dol still had sixpence left, and that burned to be free, so on arriving at the Junction he reminded Chris of his coin. To their shame they tossed for the dissipation of spending it, and it fell to Dol. Chris walked on in silence,but was soon overtaken by Dol jubilant and in high spirits. The " nip " had taken speedy effect. He waved his stick to the respective combatants returning, and on parting with Chris at Newmarket, told him not to mind nor think of the afternoon's expense, and hoped the next Saturday would be as pleasantly spent.