BAD USE FOR A GOOD PIGEON.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 661, 14 January 1933, Page 18 (Supplement)

BAD USE FOR A GOOD PIGEON.

THE THIEF’S PARTNER. A dove is the symbol of love and peace and innocence, and a pigeon is very like a dove. It comes as a shock to learn that a certain German pigeon has joined a gang of criminals. There lives in Cologne a gentleman with a valuable collection of coins. One night they were stolen. He was in despair. No insurance money could compensate him for the loss of rare coins sought patiently throughout a lifetime. Each was loved like a friend; each had a history, a pleasant tale of treasureseeking and bargaining. The telephone bell rang. A man wished to speak to the collector. “ You can have your collection back in intalments.” said a voice, “ if you are willing to pay in advance.” He was more than willing: he was eager. A carrier pigeon would be sent, said the thief, and the collector must put two 100-mark notes in a small bag tied to its leg, then part of the collection would return. In due course the pigeon was delivered and the collector soon set it free with the money. Afterwards a taximan drove up with a parcel containing part of the collection. This happened three times more. The thief was clever in finding fresh ways of getting guileless people to deliver the pigeon and return the coins. Now the collector is happy again. He has his beloved coins back. But the police are very angry. They would have liked to follow the pigeon with an aeroplane. THE TREE PUZZLE. A few holiday people solved this, and the correct names were: Pine, poplar, apple, willow, birch, pear. “MARKS ” NOTICE. No marks are awarded in January for any work sent in. We want you all to have a complete rest. A new schedule of marks will operate from February 1. “ There's many a slip ’twixt cup and lip,” but “ He who hesitates is lost.”