A POPULAR ITEM.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20519, 22 January 1935, Page 13

A POPULAR ITEM.

Bright Stories Told by Mr Forbes. The Prime Minister, Mr Fobes, shone in a new light last evening when attending the smoke concert held by the Pioneer Sports Club. Instead of making a stereotyped speech in reply to the toast of his health, he told a couple of stories. The first was based on the fact that mention had been made of his prowess as a footballer and as captain of the Canterbury side. He said that some time ago he was present at a gathering where the chairman was particularly eulogistic and had declared : “It was a great day for New Zealand when George Forbes was born.” Being curious. he consulted a reference book and looked up the year and day of his birth. This was the sole entry:-" Rabbits are increasing in Otago.” When the laughter had died down. Mr Forbes told a story, the authorship of which belongs to the Right Hon f. H. Thomas, Secretary of State for the Dominions, who is famous as an afterdinner speaker. It concerned a man who repented of his sins and joined the Salvation Army. He was selected to play the bass drum in the band, but he hit so hard that the band could not be heard, so the captain told him he must hit softer or leave the band. The cap tain was also curious to know why the vigour was displayed in the drumming operation and asked for a reason. Well, captain.” replied the new soldier. “ I’m so happy T could bust the drum.” “ And.” added Mr Forbes. “ being here at an old time smoke concert. T feel that I could bust the drum.”